Positive health: 100+ research-based positive psychology and lifestyle medicine tools to enhance your wellbeing

Description

This comprehensive compendium offers a wealth of research-informed tools that can boost both physical and mental wellbeing throughout the lifespan. Filled with more than 100 activities to help you live life better, this book is the first of its kind to integrate the latest research from the fields of positive psychology and lifestyle medicine. Striking a careful balance between theory and practice, the book first reviews what is known about positive psychology and health, presenting a novel approach to holistic wellbeing. It then goes on to provide more than 100 tools designed to increase physical, mental and social health and wellbeing, and also to decrease the risk of illness and disease. The tools described can be used by people of all ages, whether well or experiencing illness. It includes tools that you can use to improve your nutrition and sleep, to increase your physical activity, to develop positive relationships, to develop a positive mindset and to pursue a meaning in life. These tools provide research-informed, practical advice to help you to make lasting changes and become the best possible version of yourself. This book is invaluable for anyone who wishes to maintain and enhance their health and wellbeing using tools that have been shown through research to be effective. It is also a key text for students in positive psychology and healthcare, as well serving as an evidence-based reference book for coaches and health professionals who wish to recommend research-informed tools to their clients and patients. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Dedication Contents Centre for Positive Psychology and Health Part I Health and wellbeing 1 Introduction Before you begin Positive psychology and health tools Enhancing health and wellbeing How to use this book Part II Health and wellbeing tools 2 Calming tools Introduction Sleep Meditation Nature Creativity Green care Your reflection space 3 Energising tools Physical activity Blue spaces Nutrition Play Humour Your reflection space 4 Coping tools Expressive writing Optimism Bibliotherapy Stress mindset Compassion Your reflection space 5 Feeling-good tools Reminiscing Strengths Gratitude Music Art viewing Your reflection space 6 Meaning-making tools Exploring meaning Positive identity Benefit finding Legacy (scarcity) Photography Your reflection space 7 Relationship tools Capitalisation Forgiveness Kindness Savouring relationships Your reflection space 8 Prospecting Anticipation Goal setting Best possible self Hope Your reflection space 9 Emerging tools and concepts Storytelling Self-care Social media Self-reassurance Part III Making a lasting change 10 Going with the waves of change Reflection time Making positive change happen Health plan Use a coaching framework Find a coach Find a therapist Conclusion Index