Happiness Gym Facilitator Guide Happiness Gym
Facilitator Guide • Grade 9-12 Advisory
45 Minutes
Objectives
Practice vulnerability and gratitude as community-building skills.
Understand that happiness is a "trained skill" rather than a fixed trait.
Shift focus from individual achievement to interpersonal connection.
Materials Needed
Happiness Gym Presentation
Mind & Heart Journals (1 per student)
Gratitude Grams (3 per student)
Pens / Markers
Lesson Procedure
Mins 05
Warm-Up: Mind Wandering Check
Purpose: To validate that distraction is normal and practice short mindfulness.
Action: Ask students to sit comfortably and close their eyes or lower their gaze. Time exactly 1 minute of silence.
Poll: "Who was able to stay focused the whole time? Whose mind wandered?" Explain that research shows our minds wander 46.9% of the time.
Mins 10
Video: Happiness as a Skill
Focus: 08:45 to the end of Katarina Blom's TEDx Talk.
Key Concept: The "Psychological Gym." Just like physical health requires the gym and green smoothies, mental health requires intentional habits.
Discussion Point: The Harvard study found that relationships, not wealth or fame, are the #1 predictor of long-term happiness.
Mins 25
Activity: The Gratitude Wall
The "Green Smoothie" of connection.
Step 1: Give each student 3 "Gratitude Grams."
Step 2: Instructions: "Write one specific appreciation for 3 different classmates. It can be something small they did, a trait they have, or a moment you shared."
Step 3: Have students either hand-deliver their notes or post them on a designated "Gratitude Wall" in the room.
Mins 05
Reflection & Cool Down
Final journaling prompt.
Prompt: "Why is it easier to critique ourselves than to appreciate others?"
Wrap-up: Remind students that their actions influence others more than their words (The Clap Exercise). Be the "Positive Action" in the room.
Facilitation Tips & Discussion Anchors
The "Negativity Bias"
Explain that our brains are built for survival, not happiness. We notice the "one bad grade" more than the "five good ones" because of evolution. We have to work to see the positive.
Vulnerability
Model this for your students. Share something small you are grateful for or a time your mind wandered during a meeting. It lowers the stakes for them.
Key Vocabulary
Mind Wandering: Thoughts drifting away from the task (46.9% of the time!).
Psychological Gym: Intentional training of mental habits.
Green Smoothie: A simple, healthy action (like a gratitude text).
Pro-Tip
If students find the gratitude wall "cringe," lean into the science. Explain that it's literally bio-hacking their brain's negativity bias.
Happiness Gym Presentation The Psychological Gym
Happiness
Gym
Training your brain for connection, community, and well-being.
High School Advisory
The 60-Second Challenge
Sit comfortably.
Close your eyes.
Focus only on your breath.
"Don't let your thoughts wander. Just stay right here."
60 Seconds
How did you do?
🧘♂️
Focus King/Queen
Stayed focused on my breath the whole time.
💭
Mind Wanderer
My brain went to lunch, homework, or TikTok.
Minds wander 46.9% of the time!
Training the Skill
Katarina Blom: Psychological Gym
Embedded media
Watch For:
What is a "Psychological Gym"?
What is a "Green Smoothie"?
The #1 factor for happiness.
The "Green Smoothie"
Relationships > Fame
The 75-year Harvard Study found that quality relationships are the strongest predictor of physical and mental well-being.
"Happiness is a skill. We don't find it; we train it."
I really appreciate how you always help me with Chem! 💚
Thanks! You made my day!
Type a message...
The Gratitude Wall
1
Target 3
Choose 3 different people in this room. They don't have to be your "best friends."
2
Get Specific
Write one specific thing you appreciate about them or their actions lately.
3
The Delivery
Post them on the wall or hand-deliver them. Let your action influence the room.
Journal Reflection
"Why is it easier to critique ourselves than to appreciate others?"
Open your Mind & Heart Journal.
Lead by
Doing.
"We don't always do as other people tell us to do.
We'd rather do as other people do."
Be the example.
Mind & Heart Journal Template Psychological Workout Log
Mind & Heart Journal
Student Name
Date
1
The 60-Second Focus
After the 1-minute silence, where did your mind wander? (Be honest! There are no wrong answers.)
2
Gym Notes
The "Green Smoothie"
What is one "psychological action" you can take this week to improve a relationship?
The Harvard Study
According to the video, what is the most important factor for long-term happiness?
3
Final Reflection
"Why is it easier to critique ourselves than to appreciate others?"
Happiness is a skill. Keep Training.
Gratitude Grams Activity Sheet Gratitude Grams
Write an appreciation, cut along the lines, and share it.
Cutout Sheet
To:
I appreciate you because...
From:
Happiness Gym
To:
You make this community better by...
From:
Psychological Workout
To:
Something I noticed you did recently was...
From:
Green Smoothie Action
To:
I wanted to say thanks for...
From:
Relationship Pro
To:
You are appreciated for...
From:
Happiness Gym
To:
I really like your...
From:
Brain Training