PURSUIT
HAPPINESS
Local mental health experts
share tips on feeling joyful
By Dawn Liles
I
f money were the true source of happiness, then Ballantyne residents — with a
median income of $153,089, according to www.city-data.com — should be some
of the happiest people in the country. But some researchers say once people
earn enough to meet their basic needs, there is no longer a correlation between
money and happiness. Much research has been done in the past 25 years to better
understand the emotion and what people can do to increase feelings of contentment.
Dr. Heidi Limbrunner, a psychologist at Southeast Psych in Ballantyne, says
her clients often come to her with a sense they could be happier and more
content but need advice on how to get there. She initially tells them: "Remem-
ber the simple things: eat well, get enough rest and take care of your health."
From there, Limbrunner and Charlotte-based licensed clinical social worker
Kristen McClure recommend several additional ways to help increase happiness.
Connect to Others, Values
Limbrunner suggests to clients that they develop and nurture positive rela-
tionships. Ironically, when people are pursuing their dreams, one of the first
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