PERMA: Five steps to happiness
TAMPA (FOX 13) - You may have success in career, marriage and family. But are you happy?
Tampa psychologist Ashley Vigil-Otero says true happiness can be found in a simple acronym: PERMA, developed by positive psychologist Martin Seligman.
"P is for positive emotion, happiness and joy doing things that really kind of recharge you," Vigil-Otero explained.
The E stands for engagement. "Maybe it's a new hobby, maybe it's as simple as music that really fills you up," she said.
The R is for relationships. "Friendships, and even their marital relationships, that can be a buffer as far as poor medical outcomes and can really make a lasting difference to one's mood and wellbeing."
M stands for meaning. "It could come from their children. That's a natural one that can be really meaningful. A lot of people have spirituality as well," Vigil-Otero explained.
Lastly, A is for achievement. "Achievement in their work, but other people could actually do volunteer work or join something where they feel like they're making a difference in some way."
In the end, she says, look at three other letters: Y-O-U.
"It feels good to get a gold star. It feels good to be loved and respected by others, but we also need to work on our relationships with ourselves."