Optimists live longer than pessimists, the brain is hard-wired in favour of an optimistic outlook, and thinking too much can lead to suboptimal judgements. These are all bits of research which feature in 'The Optimism Bias', an engaging book just released by neuroscientist Tali Sharot. She'll be in Bristol on Saturday explain, amongst other things, the illusion we're under that we're immune to illusions... click on the link to book your seat. 

The hottest ticket for directors and HR managers this month is our 'Happiness at work' event on 23rd May. Nic Marks, founder of the New Economic Foundation's award-winning Centre for wellbeing is offering a live test of their remarkable new staff engagement tool, while Mark McKergow (Solutions Focus at Work) and Mike Zeidler (Happy City) will share practical tips on how to tap the energy for change amongst staff. For more detail, or to book a place, e-mail: mike@happycity.org.uk

What makes a great Mayor? We reckon they'll need to be big on 'happiness skills' and bold enough to challenge conventional ideas about growth and prosperity with better science.  We've already been approached by two prospective candidates and we'll be encouraging constructive political engagement wherever we find it....

Finally, we're delighted to announce that Plastic Buddha Productions, have won the BBC's One World Award for New Media by inspiring previously inexperienced people to make films about their lives in Africa. Plastic Buddha have been fantastic partners for our Community Voice project, which combines their film-making expertise with our happiness skills. Visit our Youtube channel at Happycityuk for local community group inspirations.
 

..and finally, a few of May's prolific spots of happiness

Finance Friendly Spot in finance management for the not financially minded event Windmill Hill City Farm on 14th May.

Spot of hope from Culturelab which suggests economists are beginning to realise that psychological well-being may be an even a bigger factor in a country's prosperity as financial or material wealth
Free lunch spot on College Green this Saturday, when Fareshare will be feeding the 5000 from 1-5pm.

Spot of meditation on harmony and balance in a day long retreat at Hamilton House on 26th May.  Write to wellbeingadmin@coexistuk.org for full details.