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The Emotional Toolkit Monthly
Practical Strategies to Boost Your Happiness, Health & Longevity
August 2008
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In This Issue:
-- How To Go With The Flow
-- Tip of the Month
-- In the News

How To Go With The Flow
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 Remember when you were a kid, and you played games for hours? Ahh, the good old days. But they need not be over. In fact, psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi says it's important to our well-being to have more of those days. That's because he's an expert on flow.

Flow is a state of consciousness that happens when you're so immersed in what you're doing, you lose track of time. In those moments, your ego falls away and you feel strong.

Flow can happen when you're listening to great music on a headset, having dinner with good friends, jogging, or playing with your dog. These activities aren't necessarily productive or self-improving; you just like them.

Do you have an activity like that in your life? If not, read below to see how you can learn to go with the flow.


Tip of the Month
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How to add flow to your life:

  • What's Your Thing? Do you have an activity that you get so absorbed in you lose track of time? If so, what is it? If not, think about things you loved to do as a kid. Maybe you liked building model airplanes or painting. Seek out more moments like that.


  • When To Flow? Find time to create flow moments at any time of the day. Instead of watching TV to relax, engage in an activity you enjoy and have some skill at such as playing the piano or baking.


  • How To Flow? Give yourself permission to focus completely on the activity you've chosen. Remember, this activity isn't just a distraction from your day (like browsing the Internet), it's rejuvenating because you're completely engaged in what you're doing.

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    In the News
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    Dr. Mininni Inspires Organizations

    In her trademark down-to-earth style, Dr. Mininni will show your group or organization how to use her scientifically proven strategies to live your happiest life. Ask about her popular signature presentation, "7 Power-Skills to Boost Your Happiness, Health & Longevity." Click here for details.

    Your Happiest Life Blog


    Check out Darlene's blog, "Your Happiest Life." The blog features articles, musings and links to live your happiest, healthiest life. http://yourhappiestlife.blogspot.com.





    About Dr. Darlene Mininni
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    Dr. Darlene Mininni is the author of The Emotional Toolkit and creator of UCLA's acclaimed emotional education course. She has a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a Masters degree in Public Health. Through her keynotes, writing and one-day workshops, Dr. Mininni teaches people of all ages practical strategies to boost their happiness, health and longevity. Woman's World Magazine describes her emotional toolkit as "Cutting-edge advice...that really works." She's appeared on CNN, NPR and PBS and been quoted in SELF, COSMO, Woman's Day, Marie Claire, Ladies Home Journal and Prevention.



    Darlene Mininni, Ph.D., M.P.H.
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