The first in the UAE to qualify in ‘The Science of Happiness’ .
Pernille (Pep) Kloeverpris, a qualified process coach, HR professional and group exercise leader, has become the first in the UAE to qualify in ‘The Science of Happiness’ and is an affiliate expert with www.enritsch.com – the online health and wellness community. Viki Shah talks to Pernille on ways to create a happier and more meaningful life.
“It was a natural progression. The University of California, Berkeley’s GG101x: The Science of Happiness course to gain broader expertise and knowledge to assist individuals and companies with their own personal and organisation development based on proven positive psychology and happiness practices is timely for the world and for the UAE which this year has been ranked 21st out of 157 countries in the UN Happiness Report – a jump of seven places on 2016 – and where well-being and happiness falls under the country’s framework to achieve the comprehensive UAE Vision 2021,” said the 49-year-old Dane.
Through the Berkeley course, Pernille explored the roots of a happy and meaningful life through science and practice. She engaged with some of the most provocative and practical lessons from the latest research, discovering how cutting-edge research can be applied to everyday lives.
“The course focussed on fundamental findings from positive psychology: that happiness is inextricably linked to strong social ties and contributing to a greater good,” said Pernille.
How do you define Happiness?
Happiness is all about how to create flourishing lives; in the sense nurturing the feeling that life is rewarding and meaningful. The science of happiness proves that people’s happiness levels can be increased by intentional activities and it gives us tools to apply.
Who is a ‘Happiness Scientist’? What does he/she do?
As a candidate of Psychology and Communication, a certified Process Coach and certified Happiness Specialist from the Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley I have been doing studies on human behavior and how to facilitate changes. As the affiliated Happiness Scientist and expert for the online well-being community Enritsch.com I share my knowledge and experience to assist this unique platform’s aim of enritsching lives. By providing science-based articles, sharing my in-demand Pep-talk videos and Podcasts I can assist people, corporate businesses and communities to reach happier states for longer, healthier and more joyful lives.
How does one ‘Happify’ one’s life?
If you want to improve your fitness, then training frequently is the most important thing you can do. The same goes for happiness, it takes practice to lead a happier life!
With the Science of Happiness comes a wide range of evidence-based tools ready to apply and exert in one’s life and to start working consciously on your happiness level is of great value, for both yourself and your surroundings. Both will feel the positive side effects.
There’s more to Happiness than simply feel good and living a pleasant life. Leading a good and meaningful life are two other important dimensions that need to be cultivated according to Professor Dr. Martin Seligman who is one of the entrepreneurs and driving forces behind Positive Psychology. As the Enritsch.com happiness expert I provide its online community with tools that work across the entire happiness spectrum.
Are happiness and positive psychology the same thing?
The emergence of Positive Psychology around 20 years ago marked a ground-breaking shift in the perception of the human being as opposed to mainstream psychology. Rather than focusing on how to fix people, the positive psychology pioneers revealed a new horizon for mankind, an idea of a fulfilled individual and thriving communities as Dr. Seligman describes it. The science of happiness builds upon this idea and happiness scientists dive deeper into why and how to create more happiness in life.
Why is it so hard to be happy?
One thing is the evolutionary bias or negativity bias: we simply tend to see things that could possibly go wrong.
But also, the fact that 50% of our happiness level is determined by our genes, which can explain why some people are happier than others. 10% is determined by our life circumstances, but that still leaves us with 40% that we can influence with intentional activities. The hardest part is to get your happiness activities started, but once you find activities that feel voluntary, meaningful and not burdensome, it will be easy to continue and develop new mental pathways which will affect your well-being in general.
Is happiness linked with money?
Money affects our happiness of course, but often we greatly overestimate the role money plays in our lives. This is what psychologists call the ‘focusing illusion’: if we think solely about one thing and how that relates to our well-being, we tend to overestimate its power. So, if we are asked whether we think a lot of money makes us happier, many of us would say yes, that’s correct. But what we forget is that numerous other factors are essential to living happy, fulfilled lives.
What are the qualities of a Happy person?
Happiness matters on so many levels. First of all, it’s good for your health: Happiness protects your heart, strengthens your immune system, combats stress, and is even proven to lengthen our lives. Happy people are also more resilient in the face of hardship! What’s more, as we cultivate happiness we tend to be more innovative and creative, create stronger relationships and build healthier cultures and communities.
What is the science of Lasting Happiness?
There is no such things as lasting happiness. Happiness takes practice throughout our entire lives! The good thing is, that once you start practicing, and when you find the happiness activities you enjoy, you reinforce your motivation to continue. With the right fit, Happiness practice is strongly addictive, and it is probably the best gift you can give yourself.
Can you give us a small Happiness Quiz? Something that can help a person determine his/her happiness quotient?
Rather than focusing on “what is wrong with me?” I would rather suggest three happiness practices – The good news is, all levels of happiness can be influenced for the better.
3 Good Things
Journal and write down things that went well for you during the day, and make a mental investigation as to why they went well. It can be small things or relatively more important things, everything counts.
Refocusing your mind on life’s good events and the positive feelings that came with them can make a real difference in how you feel.
Loving Kindness Meditation
This meditation practice is a way of developing and boosting compassion towards others and yourself. Search for “loving kindness meditation” guidance on the internet, get comfortable, relax, and gently follow the instructions.
Gratitude letter
Feeling grateful not only increases your level of positive emotions, it also strengthens your relationships. Think about someone who did something you are extremely grateful for, but who you never thanked. Now write the person a letter expressing your deep gratitude and telling how they affected your life and why you’re so grateful. Plan to visit the person to deliver the letter.
Written by: Viki Shah
