An Electronic Mental Health Newsletter from Joel I. Kimmel, Ph.D., P.A. & Associates Volume 18, Number 8
This month’s e-Letter is about how to create happiness in a world full of anger and divisiveness, that is, election season. Elections tend to increase our stress and make it difficult for us to be happy overall. Extremely high political conflicts and excessive media coverage raise our stress to very high levels.
During this election season, we have become conditioned to worry about almost anything and everything, often with resulting anger. This can lead to numerous physical ailments, including headaches, high blood pressure, and the exacerbation of other medical conditions.
So how do we achieve happiness during this election season as well as other times?
Happiness has to start with making a conscientious decision to be happy and to minimize stressful events. Many of us think that acquiring more money, possessions, or status will make us happy. But this is incorrect if we are not content and at peace with ourselves.
Finding that contentment and peacefulness comes from appreciating who we are, who we relate with, and how we are living right now. Being happy requires some very specific actions.
This month’s e-Letter provides information on how you can create happiness in a world filled with conflict. Make sure to read the Dr. Kimmel’s latest blog, Memories of Woodstock, here.
KimmelPsychology is available for anyone in need of support, therapy, counseling, professional coaching, and psychological and psychoeducational evaluations. We practice telehealth and safe, in-office visits. For an appointment, call us at 954 755-2885. Se Habla Español.
EDUCATIONAL CONSULTATION
Are you concerned about your child’s or grandchild’s performance or behavior in the new school year? If you think that they are having some difficulty or not performing up to their capabilities, now is definitely the time to consult a professional. Intervening early can prevent a possible problem from becoming greater as the school year goes on.
Susan Flax is a licensed school psychologist who has extensive experience in evaluating children, adolescents, and young adults. She has tested for giftedness, intelligence, autism spectrum, attention deficit, depression, and anxiety disorders. She knows exactly what is required to ensure your child receives interventions and accommodations, if needed, as quickly as possible. Mrs. Flax can be contacted at 954 755-2885 to answer your questions or to schedule an appointment.
COACHING
Meredith Kimmel, PCC, recently presented her Own Your Career workshop to a major health organization in Portland Oregon. It was so successfully received that she will be returning in September to again present the workshop. To find out more about her speaking engagements and coaching programs, Meredith can be contacted at [email protected] or 954 655-7066.
Election Season: Creating Happiness In A World Full of Conflict!
Many of us live very difficult and worrisome lives which get exacerbated during times of national conflict. Yet others find happiness every day that allows them to enjoy their lives. But how does this happen? Why do some people seem to be upbeat and happy almost all of the time while others of us are burdened with worry, anger, and frustration?
The answer is in how we think and the choices we make. Often, we cannot do much about what happens in our nation. Yet, being happy is an active choice we can make despite what is going on around us.
We can still be happy despite the “what ifs” and doom and gloom of others who predict how bad things will be if one or the other political party wins.
The way to be happy is to take control of your own life and to make a conscientious decision to be happy despite the naysayers around you.
How you think will determine how you feel, and it is something you have control over. Do not waste another day of your life worrying about what might happen. You might have little impact on the world around you, but you can have a great impact on your own thinking.
Rather than worrying about things over which you have no control, accept that these things happen and try to make the best of them. Do not let them derail you from your personal journey. If they do, return to your philosophy of life as soon as you can. Look at the big picture of how you are living and how you can enhance your life.
Actions you can take to find happiness include not watching/listening to sources of worry such as the news and social media that tell you what will happen but seldom does. Practice affirmations such as “I will be happy and enjoy my day today.” Socialize with positive and optimistic people and do not discuss politics. Set a personal goal and achieve it. Exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep.
Your thoughts can be very powerful tools. If you remain negative or ruminate about something, you will stay stuck and be consumed by stress. You can be happy by developing and maintaining positive patterns of thought.
Remember that the political prognosticators predict doom and gloom if the other party wins. But how do they know what will happen? Even politicians promise one thing and often deliver another. Do your own research and make your own decisions.
We offer the following information:
Election Season: Creating Happiness In A World Full of Conflict!
You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them… Maya Angelou
WHAT TO KNOW!
- People are filled with positive and negative emotions; being happy involves reducing the negative emotions and increasing the positive ones
- Being happy does not come easily; it is a definite, active, conscientious, choice people make
- Happiness is not an end point but a continuous journey of self-reflection and positive thinking
- To be happy, one must develop a mindset of having positive thoughts while reducing the negative messages from the news and social media
- Happy people believe that now is the time to enjoy life; they don’t wait for their happiness to come sometime in the future
- Living according to a specific positive philosophy of life despite what others may do will bring satisfaction and enjoyment
- Having gratitude for what you have rather than wanting more and more will bring contentment and satisfaction
WHAT TO DO!
- Make a conscientious decision to be happy during these stressful times
- Practice daily affirmations such as “Today, I will have a great day.”
- Focus on what you can control and the positive actions you can take
- View friends/family not as opponents but as people with different political viewpoints
- Set and maintain your own boundaries
- Reduce or completely stop watching/listening to sources of worry, anger, anxiety etc.
- Socialize with positive people to feel their caring and genuine interest in your life
- Choose an activity that you enjoy and do it regularly
- Practice self-care by eating well, exercising, and meditating
- Seek professional help if you experience continued anxiety, depression, or are unable to find happiness
WE PRACTICE BOTH IN-OFFICE AND TELEHEALTH; WE CAN HELP!
Call us at 954 755-2885 or email us at [email protected]
Joel I. Kimmel, Ph.D. P.A. and Associates
5551 N University Drive, Suite 202
Coral Springs FL 33067
As always, we are interested in your thoughts. If you would like to respond to this e-Letter, email your comments to [email protected] and we will publish them next month.
Till September…
The information provided in this electronic newsletter is not a substitute for professional treatment. It is the opinions of the writers and is provided solely for educational purposes. For mental health care, seek a qualified professional.
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Copyright © 2024 by Joel I. Kimmel, Ph.D. P.A. and Associates.
