HAPPINESS BOOK CLUB
Stress is something many of us feel on a regular basis and, in excess, it’s not good for us. But do we realise the impact it can have on our relationships – a vital ingredient of our happiness? In this book, psychologist, Ciaramicoli, argues that, alongside taking good physical care of ourselves, empathy for others can be an important key to reducing stress. When we have positive connections, we produce the neurochemical oxytocin which helps us feel calm and, in turn, more attuned to and trusting of others, leading to greater wellbeing. Yet, when we’re stressed, our reactions to others can fuel our stress, rather than help it dissipate.
Becoming an empathetic listener helps reduce our own stress and other people’s. The starting point is listening with genuine interest. It’s about learning to listen to hear, not to fix or blame. Here are some of Ciaramicoli’s tips on listening with empathy: