One night before bed, Christine Carter was sitting with her daughter in her bedroom. They were making a list:" Three Good Things of the Day". Her daughter said, "Mom, chatting with you is one of my three good things." Making a list was their way to think of things they were1for. It's a skill in the research of happiness.
Carter is a professor at the University of California. She studies how schools and families build up positive attitudes and help kids lead2lives. This has become especially important during the coronavirus pandemic (新冠病毒引发的流行病). Many kids have missed important events. Some even have lost people in their lives.
Finding the positive things sometimes doesn't mean people won't be sad any more. You'll find it natural to feel sad, but it passes more3 if we notice the good things in life. "This is really about mental health," Carter says. "We can practise bringing happiness to ourselves. It's like putting money in the bank. We can deal with hard times in the future."
Expressing thanks is also important. Carter says, "Let's say you often argue with a brother or a sister. Think about whether they did something good for you or with you. Remember the good times. This makes it likely you'll4better tomorrow."
A key step toward happiness is learning how to describe emotions, even negative ones. It's better to face your emotions than to5them. Ask yourself: "How do I feel? Where in my body am I feeling it? Does it have a color or a shape?"
The surest way to happiness is6." Helping others gives life purpose because you are changing the world." Carter says," Besides, people have a sense of connection and satisfaction. We are comfortable when we're connected with other people."
