With the election just weeks away and the NHS named as a number one issue for voters, it’s more important than ever that the healthcare debate is informed by evidence. But it is common for conversations about healthcare to be led by certain myths and assumptions.

For the last several weeks and in the run up to the election, in a series called ‘Fact or Fiction?’, experts from the Nuffield Trust give their take on the data and evidence behind some of the current perceptions of what is happening with the NHS. Topics covered so far include social care, targets, managers and the Welsh NHS.

http://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/category/tags/fact-or-fiction?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Fact%20or%20Fiction&utm_content=Fact%20or%20Fiction+CID_2303e57559c19808dbc51d5609d548f6&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=See%20the%20full%20series

Many people are raised with the belief that if you get good grades in school, get a degree from a good university, and then secure a good job, then you’ll be happy. Sounds pretty familiar, right?

The problem is that, sometimes, this approach to life doesn’t make people happy. Sure, they might have a wonderful family, a good job and a lovely home, but they are still dissatisfied with life and are searching for something else. No matter how hard they work, or how much money they earn, they still feel unfulfilled.

However, when we experience true happiness, our life takes on a joyful luster and vividness. We’re fulfilled and productive in what we do, we accomplish our goals, and our lives have meaning and purpose.

So how can we find this type of happiness? According to Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, leading researcher and author of the book “Happier,” we need to learn how to live for today and for tomorrow at the same time. Only when we find the right balance can we achieve our goals, and live the life we’ve always imagined.

In this article, we’ll explore Tal Ben-Shahar’s Happiness Model, and explain how you can use the model to bring more happiness to your own life.

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/ben-shahar-happiness-model.htm?utm_source=nl&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=10Mar15#np

Many of us have negative thoughts like these, sometimes on a regular basis. When we have these thoughts, our confidence, mood and outlook become negative too.

The problem with these negative thoughts is that they can be self-fulfilling. Inside our heads, we talk ourselves into believing that we’re not good enough. And, because of this, these thoughts drag down our personal lives, our relationships, and our careers. This is why consciously doing the opposite – using positive affirmations – can be helpful. In this article, we’ll explore how you can use affirmations to drive positive change, both in your career, and in your life in general.

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/affirmations.htm?utm_source=nl&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=10Mar15#np