Flow 5/8/2011 Issue 9

Flow is based on Sustainable Seattle's Happiness Initiative and is inspired by Vinyasa, which means one leading to another. Flow gives small, but important steps that can improve one's contentment amongst all nine domains of happiness. Flow is a weekly jolt of inspiration, pragmatism and a collection of local events that will raise our happiness. This month of May we are taking a look at some simple actions we can take to get our mental health on a better path.  First before we get started, this month is not meant to replace professional psychological advice nor should it be used as a substitute for seeking assistance for serious problems such as depression.  Psychological Well Being Issue 9 This week we are going to look at two techniques to help our mental health.  They could not be further apart if I tried, but they both get to the same place, calmness amongst our chosen stress filled lives. One of the best ways to bring peace to one’s own mind is to help another better their own situation.  I’m talking about volunteering and how giving of yourself and bringing happiness or sustenance to another gives you the same sense of contentment. Some of the best ways to find a volunteer opportunity is to make a list of your skills, interests and passions.  There is a great need for skilled volunteers in numerous non profits that includes: bookkeeping, administration, phone banking, grant writing as well as the best type of volunteers—the do what needs to be done folks. Secondly, we still spend most of our waking time at the workplace so let’s look at a few more things we can do on the job to be productive and still be happy. One of the most underestimated way to unplug at work is to use your lunch breaks and other breaks to get away from your desk or place of work.  Making a healthy lunch the night before and then eating it away from your work area will really give you some separation and a chance to think of other things besides work for the duration of the lunch. Another quick tip is to make sure to talk to your co-workers when good things are happening at the workplace.  It gets very easy to just turn to coworkers in a crisis or when you need something.  By spending time talking about successes and triumphs you can spread some happiness and build up those relationships. Nathan Jackson Recommendations This week’s website recommendation is: Humanosphere.kplu.org This week’s book recommendation is: PLAN B 4.0 by Lester R. Brown Sign up for the weekly newsletter. Support Flow		Flow Suggests: 5/8-5/14 2011 KBCS: Michael Eric Dyson Psychological Well Being, Community, Cultural Vitality www.townhallseattle.org Tuesday, May 10, 2011 7-8:30pm Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources Environmental Thursday, May 12, 2011 9am-5pm www.sustainableseattle.org Be the Spark with Desmond Tutu Cultural, Material, Community Friday, May 13, 2011 | 7:30 – 9:30pm www.compassionateactionnetwork.com