One researcher identifies eight specific behaviors happy people do.
1.Notice good things in your life. Write down 3-5 of them every week.
2.Practice kindness: do nice things for people. It makes you happier.
3.Notice life’s joys. When something good happens, stop.
4.Thank someone who has helped you. Who has been important in your life? A teacher or a parent. Write them a letter or tell them. Explain what they did for you. Say “thank you.”
5.Learn to forgive. When someone does something bad to you, don’t hold the anger inside. Writing a letter to forgive someone is a good way.
6.Take time with your friends and family. They love you. You love them. Let them know you appreciate them.
7.Take care of your body. Get enough sleep and exercise. Do stretching, smiling and laughing.
8.Learn ways to deal with problems. Remember, we all face problems. Learn to move past them.
We don’t have to deal with issues like happiness, but I think it goes back to the idea that we don’t just teach English, we teach people. That is basic to humanistic language teaching. In light of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, we should design activities to deal with self-actualization needs. I think if we can help learners feel positive, they are in a better position to learn. It also contributes to a positive class atmosphere - one where we help each other. And the students are using English.
