Cognitive Practices

Micro-moments of happiness are presented as ordinary events that help sustain happiness without major external achievements. A daily before-sleep review of what went well is presented as an attentional practice that can increase happiness within three weeks when done consistently. The article claims that thoughts create feelings, feelings influence behavior, and behavior shapes outcomes. Automatic negative thoughts are described as arising during sadness, anger, nervousness, or feeling out of control. Automatic negative thoughts are described as thoughts that arise automatically and can disrupt a person's day. The recommended response to automatic negative thoughts is to write them down and question them. After addressing biology, the source emphasizes mental training. Mind management is described as noticing, writing down, questioning, and choosing which thoughts to attach to. Morning positive expectation and evening review of what went well are presented as daily positivity exercises. The article presents the 18-40-60 rule as a reframe for weakening social-evaluation anxiety.