Who would like to live a longer life?
That’s a curious question. There might be the occasional odd man out, but I think we are all somewhat interested in extending the longevity of our lives. Okay, so you’ve got me reading, what’s the trick? If you’re wondering how I can help you live longer then you are already one step closer.
The team at SuperBetter Labs believe that by boosting your optimism, curiosity, and motivation they can help you live longer. They’ve even created a game to do it! Every day you are given goals, called Quests. When you complete a Quest you move on and your player levels up. To learn more about the game, visit the SuperBetter website.
Your mind is a muscle. It’s a darn powerful one too. When it’s healthy it can push us through adversity and help us overcome obstacles. Resilience is the super combo result of a happy brain. It allows us to battle illness and misfortune with incredible odds. The thing is, to have a strong brain we have to work it out. Just like body builders work out for their look, so must we. Except our look will be how we see the world.
I want you to think optimistically. I’m aware of what I’m asking and I know at times it’s not easy. Actually it can seem down right impossible, but I want you to try. What are three things you are grateful for today? Close your eyes after this next sentence and answer that question. Even if you don’t have anything to be thankful, fake it.
Are you back? I’ve learned that by constantly saying out loud to myself what I am thankful that it has had an incredible effect on my happiness. Take ten seconds to answer that question every day and you will know what I’m talking about. Here is an iPhone app that I just googled for you that looks neat. I’ve also included a nifty TED Talk by Jane McGonigal below that will give you 7.5 minutes of extra life for watching.
My three things I’m thankful for right now:
- I’m not cold for the first time in three days.
- I didn’t miss the trash collector for a third straight week.
- My parents both wrote me emails that were nice to wake up to.
Nifty TED Talk by Jane McGonigal who will 7.5 minutes of extra life just for watching. Not a bad deal.