As part of my route towards the PhD I'm applying to do an MSC in Applied Positive Psychology - not about positive thinking per se, but rather an approach to pscyhology that's not based on the disease model. Within that, what I want to focus on is the role of time-critical activities in fostering health and well-being.
It's my belief and experience that "being in your head" alone is an unhealthy and unhappy place. To live well, in the broadest sense of the words, we need to use as much of our body as circumstances allow, and to engage regularly in activities that require coordination and timing. For people of limited mobility this might be as simple as tapping hands or pencils to the rhythm of a piece of music or poetry - rhythmic movements (who's chortling back there?) are very important, so dancing, walking, cycling, running, swimming are all recommended.
For people with intellectual strengths there's an additional pay-off. Engaging in the sort of activities I mention is a pleasure in itself and I'm sure trips cascades of beneficial effects at every level, from the cellular, neurological and biochemical all the way up to the emotional, psychological and spiritual.
It also provides a lot of food for thought and reflection. What's not to like?
It's my belief and experience that "being in your head" alone is an unhealthy and unhappy place. To live well, in the broadest sense of the words, we need to use as much of our body as circumstances allow, and to engage regularly in activities that require coordination and timing. For people of limited mobility this might be as simple as tapping hands or pencils to the rhythm of a piece of music or poetry - rhythmic movements (who's chortling back there?) are very important, so dancing, walking, cycling, running, swimming are all recommended.
For people with intellectual strengths there's an additional pay-off. Engaging in the sort of activities I mention is a pleasure in itself and I'm sure trips cascades of beneficial effects at every level, from the cellular, neurological and biochemical all the way up to the emotional, psychological and spiritual.
It also provides a lot of food for thought and reflection. What's not to like?
