Positive social networking and engaging in constructive activities provide great opportunities for individuals of all ages to enjoy their lives.

People of all ages, genders, sizes, colors, races, and religions can avoid depression and stress and help bring about happier environments for long periods of time just because they want to. This can be done by:

Encouraging and facilitating activities that open doors and provide opportunities for youngsters and each other;

Avoiding arguments, nagging, preaching, threatening, or lecturing each other (too much);

Avoiding the use the "if you loved me" approach to try to encourage someone to show compassion and appreciation. It is like saying, "If you loved me, you would not have challenges or feel particular frustrations or emotions." Model the behavior in your day to day lives, and others will emulate your behavior.  

Establish non-physical, fair, and meaningful consequences for unacceptable behaviors, but be prepared to provide rewards for good behavior with just as much vigor, attention, time, and energy!

If your group (families, friends, co-workers, school mates, etc.) cannot participate in sports or other extracurricular activities, volunteering to help someone who is less fortunate (during the summer months for students) can lower your blood pressure, alleviate some neurological problems, and take the stress off of skeletal and muscular systems. In essence, helping others is one of the best ways to alleviate sadness, depression, and melancholy.

Offer one another love, support, and understanding. This actually helps to build self-esteem.

Build your sunny days; do not wait for the weather conditions to be just right or perfect. The fear of joy is a disease of the spirit. Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers claimed that each person has the power inside of his or her own mind (right now) to actualize their dreams and goals. In other words, WE can be happy right now at this very moment no matter what is going on, just because we want to! Smile. Now, that is having a lot of power!  

Salome G. Rowe - August/ September 2010