In 2021, Delaware Military Academy started a new course called Optimistic Mindset based off the popular Yale course Psychology and the Good Life. In the course, students see data showing that sustained happiness doesn’t come from an awesome job, lots of money, awesome stuff, perfect grades, or social media. Instead, we need to learn how rewire our minds and integrate new strategies to optimize our mental health and happiness. Below is a list of 27 data supported tips from the class. In this video, students share how integrating these tips improved their lives.

PSYCHPROTIP #1: Learn about the science of well being (Take Optimistic Mindset!)

PSYCHPROTIP #2: Stop investing in stuff, invest in experiences instead; Investing in experiences makes us happier

PSYCHPROTIP #3: Thwart your adaptation through savoring

PSYCHPROTIP #4: Thwart your adaptation through negative visualization

PSYCHPROTIP #5: Increase the variety in your life

PSYCHPROTIP #6: Split your gains and combine your losses

PSYCHPROTIP #7: Interrupt consumption

PSYCHPROTIP #8: Find more accurate reference points (aka #hackyourfeed)

PSYCHPROTIP #9: Stop watching TV and you’ll stop wanting stuff

PSYCHPROTIP #10: Stop using social media (like seriously right now)

PSYCHPROTIP #11: Be a benefit finder and ignore hassles

PSYCHPROTIP #12: Keep up your gratitude journaling

PSYCHPROTIP #13: Give a bunch of your money/stuff away

PSYCHPROTIP #14: Random acts of kindness work

PSYCHPROTIP #15: Literally just talk to people

PSYCHPROTIP #16: Savor your important connections in high school before it’s too late

PSYCHPROTIP #17: You’ve got to make time for social connection (again before it’s too late)

PSYCHPROTIP #18: Start meditating and turn it into a practice

PSYCHPROTIP #19: Move your body for 20-30 minutes a day!

PSYCHPROTIP #20: Add music/other fun stuff to your workout

PSYCHPROTIP #21: Just get some damn sleep.

PSYCHPROTIP #22: Stop sleeping with your phone near you

PSYCHPROTIP #23: Reconnect with a faith-based (or like-minded) community

PSYCHPROTIP #24: Find ways to use your signature strengths in your work and play

PSYCHPROTIP #25: Consider your signature strengths when thinking about a career

PSYCHPROTIP #26: Increase your flow (aka challenge yourself a bit more than you

think)

PSYCHPROTIP #27: Increase your time affluence