It’s hard to be optimistic with so much going on in the world. Giving basic advice like “stop worrying” or “just be happy” is unhelpful at best and insulting at worst. There are, however, ways of improving our quality of life and maintaining a more positive outlook in general through science-based advice and feel-good stories to encourage us, which you can read about below.
Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life by Martin E.P. Seligman
Dr. Seligman offers many basic techniques to break the constant “I-give-up” habits, develop a more optimistic interior dialogue, and create a better way to interpret and understand your own behavior. This advice works anywhere, from school to home, and it can be learned at any stage of life.
We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida
The Kokoro Clinic for the Soul is only for those who are struggling with their lives and need help. They have a unique treatment: cats as medication. Patients are initially confused, but when they have the cat for the recommended duration, they find that their lives have changed. It follows many people, from a child trying to get through elementary school cliques to a geisha who can’t move on from the memory of her lost cat. These incredible felines lead patients to self-discovery, hope, and healing.
How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie gives practical advice in this book to help people free themselves from the consistent cycle of anxiety and worry to live their best lives. His suggestions range from learning gratitude and appreciation to not over-focusing on criticism to sleeping better and waking up ready for each day. These suggestions are easy to implement and work to relieve worries and anxieties at their core.
The Happiness Formula by Alyssa Shaffer
The phrase “Don’t worry, be happy” is much easier said than done. However, science has proven that by changing our habits, we can live a happier life. Alyssa Shaffer shows recent studies and breakthroughs in positive psychology and gives us the best ways to improve life satisfaction. She includes looking into the benefits of the mind-body connection and how relationships, money, and parenting can impact happiness. This book will help readers develop the necessary skills to find peace and appreciate what they have now.
Hope these books can help you get a start on leading a more positive outlook. Happy reading!
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