Perspective 2: Happiness through the senses

Students will explore different ways of increasing happiness through the senses.

Exercise Mini-Lesson –

• Essential Question: Some doctors now prescribe exercise as one effective treatment for depression. How and why does physical exercise promote happiness?
• Pre-Reading Assignment: Intro and Intermediate content on Exercise modules (SOH).
• Discussion Topic: Students will read a study about the impact of exercise on depression and mood, and discuss in small groups.
• Practical Assignment: Students will divide into groups and develop an ad campaign for the school to identify the benefits of exercise on mind and body.

Meditation Mini-Lesson –

Essential Question: How and why does meditation enhance happiness? How does the happiness resulting from meditation compare to happiness gained from Flow?
Pre-Reading Assignment: Intro and Intermediate content on Meditation (POH) plus Intro content on Buddha (SOH).
Discussion Topic: Students will explore the Buddha module that includes an audio meditation they will try out in class and discuss in small groups.
Practical Assignment: Students will try out a 3-minute meditation once a day for the following week, writing daily entries about their experience on the class Weblog.

Positive Reminiscence and Savoring –

Essential Question: How does Positive Reminiscence promote Savoring? And how does Savoring promote happiness?
Pre-Reading Assignment: Intro and Intermediate content on Positive Reminiscence and Savoring (SOH).
Discussion Topic: Students will read an article about the impact of positive reminiscence (savoring a peak memory) on well-being.
Practical Assignment: Students will write about a past peak experience in great detail. Students will give presentations on their peak memory.