Happiness Returns

Introduction .................................................................... 3 Part 1: Self-Compassion and Its Link to Happiness........... 9 Chapter 1: Being Kind to Self .................................... 11 Self-Compassion: Crucial to Happiness .............................. 13 The Importance of Self-Compassion................................... 18 What Self-Compassion Is and Isn't..................................... 20 The Three Main Components............................................ 23 Understanding Self-Esteem................................................. 24 When You Have Low Self-Esteem ...................................... 27 The Role of Self-Compassion in Self-Esteem and Overall Wellbeing ........................................................................... 31 Common Self-Compassion Misconceptions........................ 32 Chapter Takeaway ..................................................... 34 Chapter 2: The Psychology of Happiness ................... 35 Happiness: A Mood or a Feeling? ....................................... 36 What Is True Happiness?.................................................... 39 The Role Our Brain Plays................................................... 41 Why We Feel the Way We Do: The Psychology of Moods. 43 Factors That Influence Your Mood..................................... 45 The Link Between Your Feelings and Actions..................... 49 Common Happiness Misconceptions ................................. 51 Will I Ever Find Happiness?............................................... 52 Chapter Takeaway ..................................................... 53 Emotional Regulation and Self-Compassion: The Interrelation .............................................................. 116 Compassion Focused Therapy .......................................... 117 Chapter Takeaway .................................................... 126 Chapter 6: Dealing with Depression ......................... 127 A Wandering Mind and Depression ................................. 127 How Depression Influences the Body-Mind Connection.. 129 Detaching for a Happier Life............................................ 131 Self-Compassion and Depression...................................... 133 Practicing the RAIN Techniques ...................................... 135 Managing Depression with ACT ...................................... 136 Chapter Takeaway .................................................... 142 Part 3: Working on Your Mental and Physical Health .. 143 Chapter 7: Controlling Your Mind ........................... 144 Self-Compassion and Your Cognitive Functioning ........... 145 Being Grounded for Mental Clarity.................................. 147 The Neuroplastic Effect of Mindfulness............................ 150 Resilience and Healthy Coping with Self-Compassion...... 152 Applying Self-Compassion to Challenging Situations ....... 153 Mindfulness Exercises for Improving Focus and Clarity.... 156 Chapter Takeaway .................................................... 164 Chapter 8: Self-Care for Happiness ........................... 165 Finding Happiness Through a Self-Care Routine.............. 167 The Role of Self-Care in Overall Wellbeing ...................... 168 Self-Care, Self-Love, and Self-Compassion........................ 171 The Seven Pillars of Self-Care........................................... 173 Self-Care Practices for Happiness ......................................176 Integrating the Self-Compassionate Lifestyle .....................181 Chapter Takeaway ................................................... 187 Conclusion ..................................................................188 Final Note ...................................................................191 References ...................................................................194