Anti-Aging     

Columbus, Ohio    5-25-05

Want free insurance? You’ve got it. “Your mind comes with free happiness insurance,” says anti-aging psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey. “After a “co-pay,” of recoiling from a loss or adversity, your mind’s happiness insurance bounces you back to your previous level of happiness.”
 

“I used to be amazed at how very disabled people in nursing homes often talked about how blessed they were,” says Dr. Brickey. “Now I realize it is the norm. For a few months patients “grieve” their loss of health, independence, privacy, and palatable food. After a few months they return to their previous level of happiness (or unhappiness). Extreme optimists don't even experience the grieving, they are grateful to still be alive and appreciate how wonderful the staff is (which in turn makes them the staff's favorite patients).”

“Consider Christopher Reeves. After his accident, he went through a period of depression. Logically, we would expect him to be miserable the rest of his life. Though initially not even able to breathe without mechanical help, his upbeat personality reemerged and he adopted a determination to talk and walk. He took leadership positions in fund raising, wrote his autobiography, and gave inspirational speeches and interviews.”

“The phenomenon isn't limited to loss and health problems. Lottery winners are on a high for several months and then revert to their previous level of happiness or unhappiness. Boston Red Socks fans thought heaven had arrived when their team broke the Curse of the Bambino and won the World Series. After a few weeks, however, life returned to normal. Graduation bliss lasts a few weeks. Marital bliss typically lasts several months.”

“The good news is that when bad things happen to you, you are likely to bounce back to your previous level of happiness. Further good news is that positive psychology has practical ways to raise your baseline level of happiness—which helps you live longer, healthier, and happier.”

Dr. Michael Brickey is President of the Ageless Lifestyles Institute and author of the Oprah-featured book, Defy Aging and just released 52 baby steps to Grow Young. To learn about more about the psychology of being youthful at every age, contact Dr. Brickey at 614-237-4556 or DrBrickey@DrBrickey.com. Also see www.DrBrickey.com

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