#3GoodThings

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." (Marcel Proust)

We start the new school year with a really strong focus on mental health. All pupils and staff have been introduced to #3GoodThings, a well established initiative used by psychologists to change mindset and boost well-being and happiness. Science is increasingly showing that gratitude is a central stimulant in determining how we feel. Dr Barbara Fredrickson of the University of North Carolina says "positive emotions literally open our minds and hearts... they really change our mindsets and our biochemistry." We all have a natural focus on what goes wrong in our daily lives; we are quick to notice even the smallest of problems. Fredrickson points out that "fear closes down our minds and our hearts." We rarely spend time dwelling on the good things. The action of thinking of three good things that have happened to us in a day is incredibly powerful. Tests have shown that people who try it each night for just one week were happier and less depressed one month later. 

I (Mr Brown, Deputy Head Pastoral) take no credit for the idea. The idea was sold to me on Twitter by Dr Pooky Knightsmith, until recently CEO of the wonderful Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, a mental health charity providing free resources for schools and also superb training.

And it's so easy! When you sit down for a quick break, just before you go to sleep or any time you have a spare few minutes, reflect on the previous day and list 3 things that have made you happy. The action of thinking, better still writing them down, is therapeutic. I use my @ShiplakeWelfare Twitter account to record them. Depending on the day they might include the following; walking the dog, going for a run, a random act of kindness, seeing someone achieve something or just the fact that I have managed to contrive a few minutes peace away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. My favourite characteristic of the Shiplake 7 is, without doubt, reflection and 3GoodThings is a great opportunity to employ this in a positive way.

Staff and pupils alike have embraced this and I am delighted to see the Twittersphere alive with #3GoodThings. Tutors ask their tutees each week to reflect and it's also a great talking point around school. 

Watch the video clip on the Action for Happiness website. You can even download apps here or here.

My three good things today:

1. Sharing this initiative with others.
2. Music on in the background as I type.
3. It's Friday which means fish and chips for lunch!

Yours?

#3GoodThings