What makes australia happy abc

Three experts. Eight weeks. One vision : in a groundbreaking experiment, the science of positive psychology is put to the test — what does it take to make Australia happy.

Eight unhappy people offer themselves up to science — their brains are scanned, their lives examined, their saliva swabbed and their blood tested. Can they improve their happiness and wellbeing in eight weeks? This is not self-help TV. And to prove that it works. The eight volunteers, unknown to each other, lived in Marrickville, a suburb of Sydney. They represented a range of ages, backgrounds, and life circumstances, but they shared the desire to get happy.

After screening for clinical depression and mental health issues, the eight individuals selected were relatively unhappy but ready for change. It was wonderful to see three experts working together to implement a range of interventions covering mind, body, and spirit. Dr Russ Harris , a leading expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, implemented mindfulness exercises. Anna-Louise Bouvier , a leading physiotherapist, was recruited to look after the body basics — sleep, diet and exercise.

Dr Craig Hassed , an invited guest, appeared in Episode 3 to discuss the biological measures. The Data. Before, during, and after the series, the participants completed happiness questionnaires, some of which are on the ABC website, including the Happy Index. Biological data was taken such as cortisol, melatonin, and immunoglobin. MEG brain scans were conducted. Good news! Yes, the show has a happy ending. Improvements were found on all physical and psychological measures.

The show demonstrated that interventions need to be tailored to the person, that is, aligned to their intrinsic needs. Some interventions did not work as effectively for some as they did for others. In a recent radio interview, Tony Grant mentioned that lots of mindfulness seemed to be the key for many of the participants. However, comments on the website indicate that viewers were implementing the activities at home without access to the experts, and experienced subjective increases in levels of happiness.

The series was produced by Jennifer Cummins, principal of Heiress Films, a boutique factual and documentary company that specializes in personal stories. I spoke to Jennifer last month to gain some of her thoughts and insights.

She began exploring the idea of a TV show about happiness over two years ago. And so began her journey to find a theme, a group of people to make happy, and a team of experts to implement happiness activities. In selecting the experts to guide the volunteers through the interventions, the TV crew were most interested in people who were respected, could communicate, were empathetic, and could easily build rapport.

This is what was achieved: there was a healthy relationship between the eight participants and the experts. Jennifer and her team are very pleased with the response to the series.

The reviews are great, and the viewing audience loves the rawness and courage of the participants with their genuine and honest reactions. The on-line response via the website and the Facebook page is far greater than anticipated, with the Facebook page gathering a greater following than any other ABC-TV Facebook page. The ABC has never seen such a response to a show, with over 36, registered on the website as of mid November.

More than 38, Happy Index tests have been taken. The ABC server broke down twice on the night of the first episode! Jennifer shared a wonderful story: A pregnant woman was trying to cross a busy Sydney street on a very rainy day.

A viewer of the show, influenced by the acts of kindness intervention, stopped to help her. Sue Langley , master trainer and leading advisor in the practical application of positive psychology. Dr Tim Sharp , aka Dr Happy leading positive psychologist — writer, speaker and consultant.

Sophie Scott , award winning medical reporter, ABC. Evan Sutter , author, coach and founder of Hapzly , an organisation creating tools and initiatives to help make the world happier. Lizzy Williamson , personal trainer and fitness guru, author of Two Minute Moves.

Corey Jackson , mental health researcher at the intersection of science and Buddhism; Founder of the Beyond Mindfulness Method. Toni Powell , storyteller and workplace culture wonderworker. Bastian Fox Phelan , writer, zinemaker , musician, citizen scientist and keen rockpooler. Find and watch all the latest episodes. Four Corners Four Corners is an Australian television programme revolving around investigative journalism and the coverage of current affairs.

The show debuted on TV in and has since then become the longest-running show of its kind in Australia. Rage Rage, which is often stylised as simply rage, is an Australian music video program that is broadcast on ABC in the nights and on the mornings of Friday and Saturday.

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