Researchers at the University of California, Riverside and Duke University Medical Center have found that engaging in positive activities may be an effective measure to help individuals battling with depression.
The scientists defined positive activity interventions (PAI) as performing random acts of kindness, appreciating the things we are lucky for and staying optimistic.
Authors of the study said that pharmaceuticals are not appropriate for everyone, can be costly and may come with side effects. Additionally, the researchers said antidepressants may only be effective in 30 to 40 percent of individuals. Conversely, PAIs are simple, take little time and are good for mental and physical health.
"Over the last several decades, social psychology studies of flourishing individuals who are happy, optimistic and grateful have produced a lot of new information about the benefits of positive activity interventions on mood and well-being," said researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky.
In the study, researchers found that writing about gratitude, keeping an optimistic attitude and meditating on positive thoughts had significant mood-boosting effects after a 6-month trial.
Study authors said that depression is a growing problem that affects many individuals. As such, low-cost, simple measures are needed, and they believe that PAIs may play a helpful role in achieving a happier society.
Philosopher and trailblazer Ilchi Lee believes that personal development training is key in attaining a good sense of well-being. Incidentally, many of the things he recommends for unlocking brain potential – such as meditation and focusing on the positive – are also considered PAIs.
Results of this study suggest that happiness really may be as simple as thinking about life in a more positive light. The flip side of this is that individuals must learn how to avoid negative thoughts and ideas.
