The magic of “Three Good Things”

“Being a born optimist is not required – this is a habit you can acquire. A simple way to get started is to begin the ‘Three Good Things’ intervention: Each day for at least one week, write down three things that went well that day, and the reasons why.” ~Andrew Weil, MD

Are you suffering from the post-holiday-letdown blues? Is the 24-hour news cycle spiking your blood pressure or eroding your sense of optimism? Are you nervous about what’s ahead in the new year?

This week is the perfect time to revisit Dr. Andrew Weil’s “Three Good Things” prescription, which promises to increase our levels of happiness for a full six months. At the very least, it’s a clever way to refocus your brain on pleasant experiences rather than negative ones.

The “Three Good Things” practice is fun and easy. First, get yourself a journal or notebook. Every evening, list three positive things that you noticed during your day. (The benefits are enhanced if you’re writing by hand versus typing on a keyboard or phone.) Write a sentence or two explaining why each one made a difference to you — but it’s OK to simply make a list if you’re in a hurry. Do this every day for at least one week. If you find more than three good things, give yourself extra credit.

Remember that your “good things” don’t have to be big things. If you were lifted by kind words from a friend or inspired by something beautiful you saw on an errand or a daily walk, write it down. ~CL

*** If you enjoyed this post, please share it with friends. Social media sharing options are located in the lower right corner of each post in your browser. Visit the blog’s homepage to read previous posts you’ve missed.