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    Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

    Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

    Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

    Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

    Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

    Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

    MSPs should ‘go through vetting’ to be alone with kids after Colin Smyth charges

    MSPs should ‘go through vetting’ to be alone with kids after Colin Smyth charges

    MSP Colin Smyth denies hiding secret camera in Scottish Parliament toilet

    MSP Colin Smyth denies hiding secret camera in Scottish Parliament toilet

    Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

    Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

    Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

    Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

    SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

    SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

    MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

    MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

    Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

    Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

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      Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

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      Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

      Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

      Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

      Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

      Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

      Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

      Union Bears torch Green Brigade gear as Celtic ultras targeted by gloating Rangers rivals

      Union Bears torch Green Brigade gear as Celtic ultras targeted by gloating Rangers rivals

      Kieron Bowie touted for Rangers transfer if key hurdle can be cleared

      Kieron Bowie touted for Rangers transfer if key hurdle can be cleared

      Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

      Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

      Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

      Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

      Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

      Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

      Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

      Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

      Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

      Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

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        NASA announces breakthrough discovery suggesting life on Mars

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        Sir James Dyson unveils new AI robot vacuum in a bid to help households to clean with ease

        Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

        Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

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        Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

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        Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

      • Health
        Scottish siblings diagnosed with the same terminal illness that killed their dad

        Scottish siblings diagnosed with the same terminal illness that killed their dad

        Signs of depression in later life and how to recognise them, according to experts

        Signs of depression in later life and how to recognise them, according to experts

        Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

        Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

        Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

        Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

        Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

        Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

      • Entertainment
        UK watchdog issues new car finance update on possible £1,100 compensation payout due next year

        UK watchdog issues new car finance update on possible £1,100 compensation payout due next year

        New update on calls for monthly State Pension payments of £2,344 for people over 60

        New update on calls for monthly State Pension payments of £2,344 for people over 60

        Jet2 announce new check-in change for Scots travellers

        Jet2 announce new check-in change for Scots travellers

        DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

        DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

        DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

        DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

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        Primary schools in one part of Wales propose big change for parents

        Primary schools in one part of Wales propose big change for parents

        International students warned of deportation if they overstay their visa

        International students warned of deportation if they overstay their visa

        The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

        The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

        Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

        Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

        Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

        Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

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        Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

        Alexander Dennis to continue bus building in Scotland as SNP Government offers £4m furlough scheme

        Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

        Peter Mandelson facing sacking calls by SNP over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

        Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

        Greyhound racing set for total ban in Scotland after ministers back MSP’s bill

        MSPs should ‘go through vetting’ to be alone with kids after Colin Smyth charges

        MSPs should ‘go through vetting’ to be alone with kids after Colin Smyth charges

        MSP Colin Smyth denies hiding secret camera in Scottish Parliament toilet

        MSP Colin Smyth denies hiding secret camera in Scottish Parliament toilet

        Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

        Labour MP blasts ‘coked-up yobbery’ of far right protestors as she hits out at ‘disaster’ of asylum hotels

        Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

        Blow for Scottish Conservatives as MSP quits party in protest at ‘reactionary politics’

        SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

        SNP Government ‘failing stroke patients’ as average treatment waiting time over two hours

        MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

        MSP demands Donald Trump pay up to cover costs of policing for Scottish visit

        Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

        Glasgow domestic waste sent to Spain as part of SNP council recycling drive

        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Trending Tags

        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

          Raging Ally McCoist slaughters Rangers chiefs for ‘unacceptable’ sin

          Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

          Mikel Arteta claim about Ange Postecoglou rings louder than ever as Arsenal boss tosses rivalry aside

          Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

          Chris Sutton reacts to ‘misguided’ Celtic transfer declaration as UEFA spending cap claim torpedoed

          Union Bears torch Green Brigade gear as Celtic ultras targeted by gloating Rangers rivals

          Union Bears torch Green Brigade gear as Celtic ultras targeted by gloating Rangers rivals

          Kieron Bowie touted for Rangers transfer if key hurdle can be cleared

          Kieron Bowie touted for Rangers transfer if key hurdle can be cleared

          Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

          Raging Fabrizio Romano fires back at fan for branding him a ‘fraud’

          Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

          Scotland’s plunging coefficient faces threat from Sweden as Champions League abyss awaits

          Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

          Rangers brutally mocked by Belgian big mouth as rebuilding Brugge told UCL rivals aren’t ‘serious’

          Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

          Jamie Vardy handed Celtic transfer pitch as two deals reach endgame

          Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

          Etienne Youte breaks cover as Celtic issued Jakob Breum red flag before key transfer deadline

          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            NASA announces breakthrough discovery suggesting life on Mars

            NASA announces breakthrough discovery suggesting life on Mars

            Sir James Dyson unveils new AI robot vacuum in a bid to help households to clean with ease

            Sir James Dyson unveils new AI robot vacuum in a bid to help households to clean with ease

            Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

            Shoppers leave Sky for ‘easy to use’ TV recorder that lets you watch telly for free

            Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

            Google Pixel 10 pre-orders go live with up to £700 off from Sky, O2, Amazon and EE

            Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

            Tech fans say ‘brilliant fit’ £18 noise cancelling earbuds work ‘as well as Apple Airpods’

          • Health
            Scottish siblings diagnosed with the same terminal illness that killed their dad

            Scottish siblings diagnosed with the same terminal illness that killed their dad

            Signs of depression in later life and how to recognise them, according to experts

            Signs of depression in later life and how to recognise them, according to experts

            Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

            Jessie J postpones UK tour and cancels US gigs amid ongoing cancer battle

            Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

            Boots protein powder shoppers say ‘takes away cravings and cuts bloating’

            Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

            Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery

          • Entertainment
            UK watchdog issues new car finance update on possible £1,100 compensation payout due next year

            UK watchdog issues new car finance update on possible £1,100 compensation payout due next year

            New update on calls for monthly State Pension payments of £2,344 for people over 60

            New update on calls for monthly State Pension payments of £2,344 for people over 60

            Jet2 announce new check-in change for Scots travellers

            Jet2 announce new check-in change for Scots travellers

            DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

            DWP warning to people on State Pension, PIP or other benefits using a mobile phone

            DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

            DWP urges people in their 60s to check State Pension age before changes start next year

          • Life Style
          • Travel
          • Education
            Primary schools in one part of Wales propose big change for parents

            Primary schools in one part of Wales propose big change for parents

            International students warned of deportation if they overstay their visa

            International students warned of deportation if they overstay their visa

            The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

            The top state schools in Wales for GCSE results

            Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

            Cardiff releases GCSE grades as city schools beat Wales-wide results

            Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

            Swansea schools beat Wales average for A-level results

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          What we learned from teaching a course on the science of happiness

          by BP Author
          March 26, 2024
          in World
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          When you deliver a university course that makes students happier, everybody wants to know what the secret is. What are your tips? What are your top ten recommendations? These are the most asked questions, as if there is some quick, surefire path to happiness.

          The problem is that there are no life-transforming discoveries, because most of what works has already been talked about. Social connection, mindfulness, gratitude letters, acts of kindness, going for a walk in nature, sleep hygiene, limiting social media use. These are some of the 80 or so psychological interventions which have been shown to work to improve our wellbeing (to a lesser or greater extent).

          But if we already know so much about what works, then why are we still fielding requests for top happiness tips?

          The data tells us that students and young people today are increasingly unhappy, with national surveys finding wellbeing is lowest among the young in the UK and the US compared to other age groups.

          It was for this reason we began teaching the science of happiness course at the University of Bristol in 2019 – to counter some worrying downward trends. During the course, we teach lessons from positive psychology and create opportunities for students to put these lessons into practice.

          Learning the science of happiness

          We award credit based on engagement — an important component of not only education, but also getting the most out of life — rather than graded assessments. It would be ironic to talk about the problems of performance anxiety and student perfectionism only to then give our students a graded exam.

          Course credit without examination? That must be a breeze you might say. However, for many students, turning up on time to over 80% of lectures and tutorials, completing journal entries on a weekly basis and submitting a final group project turned out to be more of a challenge than they predicted.

          Around 5% of students fail to meet the course demands each year, and have to complete a reassessment in the summer. Creating consistent positive habits in the face of all of life’s other demands is not a trivial request.

          Nevertheless, the science of happiness course is extraordinarily popular. It also appears to be effective. Every year we find increases of around 10-15% on measures of students’ mental wellbeing at the end of the course, compared to a waiting-list control group.

          However, we recently published the findings from a study that followed up with students one to two years after they had taken the science of happiness course, before they graduated. When we looked at the overall trends, students’ initially elevated scores of happiness had largely returned to their original levels.

          Two women hold each other with happy expression on their faces
          It’s not easy to maintain this level of happiness.
          Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

          We were not dejected, though. One of the mechanisms we teach on the course is hedonic adaptation: we get used to both good and bad things. Since humans have a brain wired to pay extra attention to problems, it comes as no surprise that the initial wellbeing boost we created in the course disappeared as students returned to focusing on life’s hassles.

          However, we observed that not all students followed this pattern. Approximately half the cohort reported that they continued to regularly practice some of the things they had learnt, such as gratitude or mindfulness, many months or years after completing the course.

          Although the students who no longer practised the activities returned to their happiness baselines, on average, those who did keep up with at least some of the recommended activities showed no such drop. They maintained their elevated levels of wellbeing up to two years later.

          In many ways, mental health is no different from physical health. Few people expect to see long-lasting muscle gains after one trip to the gym. For the most part, we are begrudgingly aware that there are no shortcuts if you want to remain fit and healthy. You have to stick with the program.

          New habits

          The same applies to our happiness. Unless we keep working at it, the improvements are temporary. Indeed, if we did have to focus on just one top tip it might be to learn how to harness lessons from psychology to build the better habits we need for lasting change. For example, aiming for small incremental changes rather than an unsustainable overhaul of your whole life.

          One thing we question is whether the self-care industry may be sending out the wrong message by telling people happiness is all about making yourself feel better. One of us, Bruce Hood, writes in his new book, that becoming a happier person in the long term is less to do with focusing on ourselves, and much more to do with focusing on others.

          Self-care may bring some short term benefits, but enriching the lives of others can offer wellbeing effects that are less susceptible to adaptation over time.

          Ultimately, whatever methods or activities we choose to improve our wellbeing, we would do well to remember that happiness is always a work in progress.



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