1st Edition
Positive Health 100+ Research-based Positive Psychology and Lifestyle Medicine Tools to Enhance Your Wellbeing
This comprehensive compendium offers a wealth of research-informed tools that can boost both physical and mental wellbeing throughout the lifespan. Filled with more than 100 activities to help you live life better, this book is the first of its kind to integrate the latest research from the fields of positive psychology and lifestyle medicine.
Striking a careful balance between theory and practice, the book first reviews what is known about positive psychology and health, presenting a novel approach to holistic wellbeing. It then goes on to provide more than 100 tools designed to increase physical, mental and social health and wellbeing, and also to decrease the risk of illness and disease. The tools described can be used by people of all ages, whether well or experiencing illness. It includes tools that you can use to improve your nutrition and sleep, to increase your physical activity, to develop positive relationships, to develop a positive mindset and to pursue a meaning in life. These tools provide research-informed, practical advice to help you to make lasting changes and become the best possible version of yourself.
This book is invaluable for anyone who wishes to maintain and enhance their health and wellbeing using tools that have been shown through research to be effective. It is also a key text for students in positive psychology and healthcare, as well serving as an evidence-based reference book for coaches and health professionals who wish to recommend research-informed tools to their clients and patients.
Biography
Jolanta Burke (PhD) is a chartered psychologist specialising in positive psychology and a senior lecturer at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. For more information go to www.jolantaburke.com.
Pádraic J Dunne (PhD) is an immunologist (research scientist) and accredited psychotherapist with an interest in researched meditation-based interventions for health, managing burnout among healthcare workers and community-based digital solutions for promoting health and wellbeing.
Trudy Meehan is a chartered clinical psychologist and lecturer at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Professor Ciaran O’Boyle is a psychologist and pharmacologist with a particular interest in the interface between lifestyle medicine and positive psychology. During a long career at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, he established the University’s Department of Psychology, its Institute of Leadership and its Centre for Positive Psychology and Health.
Christian van Nieuwerburgh is a professor of coaching and positive psychology at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Principal Fellow at the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne, and global director of Growth Coaching International.
"There is no book on Positive Health that is more readable, applicable, concise, and practical, yet underpinned by rigorous science and the authors sage wisdom. As a must-read, the book owner will enjoy a delightful guide towards health and happiness."
Associate Professor Aaron Jarden, Centre for Wellbeing Science, University of Melbourne, Australia
"This book is a treasure trove of health and wellbeing practices based on current science. I love that this book is for both health care practitioners and professionals and for anyone wanting to improve their health and wellbeing. Given we are so overloaded with competing and often contradictory information on our health and wellbeing, my recommendation is that this book becomes the go-to handbook in your health and wellbeing library."
Dr Suzy Green, Honorary Professor in the School of Psychology, University of East London, CEO and Founder of the Positivity Institute dedicated to the research and application of Positive Psychology.
"Reading this book is like the awe and magic invoked by apothecaries of old, making incantations, stirring esoteric herbs and body parts of toads. But rest assured, these are rigorous and compassionate scientists who have amassed a Wiki of positive, health inducing actions and experiences. These experiences will stimulate renewal (Parasympathetic Nervous System) which is the only antidote to the ravages of stress. Read it or stay sick!"
Richard Boyatzis, PhD, Distinguished University Professor, Case Western Reserve University, Co-author of the international best seller, Primal Leadership and the new Helping People Change.
"The Centre for Positive Psychology and Health at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is to be congratulated for their paradigm shifting innovative approach to holistic wellbeing. Their new book now provides the science and evidence (the why), along with actionable support strategies (the how) that enable you to enhance your wellbeing. Whether you are struggling right now, or simply looking at ways to add more life to your years (flourishing in your life, relationships and work), then this book is for you. Read it today, reap lasting benefits and live with more vitality."
Dr Mark Rowe, Medical Doctor, Waterford, Ireland
"If you are looking for the gems of well-being - the best habits to be well – look no further. A brilliant team of European experts have mined for you the scientific jewels out of the self-help mountains. They organized the best habits to fit what you are looking for - to feel good, calm down, be energized, find meaning, improve yourself, or connect more with others. Here’s to more sparkle and light in our lives."
Margaret Moore, MBA, Co-Founder/Chair of the Institute of Coaching, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School affiliate and Co-Founder/Board Member of the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching
"This is a very valuable resource linking the concepts of positive psychology and lifestyle medicine. It provides very user friendly research-based advice on how to implement positive psychology and health tools into daily life. This book is useful for everyone who needs to bring some positivity into their lives and improve their health. It is especially useful for all involved in education as they may be able to bring some of the learning from the book into their teaching and indirectly impact their students. I loved reading this book and how it introduced me to positive psychology. It is a book that you will go back to time and time again. Every page has some little gem to enhance your day."
Associate Professor Majella Dempsey, Department of Education, Maynooth University
"The six pillars of lifestyle medicine include exercise, nutrition, stress resiliency, sleep, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances. Positive psychology comes into play when counselling and coaching patients in all of these pillars. The team at the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dublin has created a pioneering program in Positive Health and their new book is full of science and strategies to help people enjoy enhanced well-being."
Dr. Beth Frates, President-Elect American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Faculty Advisor, Harvard Medical School and Director of Lifestyle Medicine and Wellness, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital
