Seriously Happy Bingo Cards
“...I was talking to my lab tech (who calls herself the friendly vampire!) about the cards. She did such a good job with my blood draw that I got to check off a square on my card. We laughed and hugged when I was done — what a fun connection!” - Russ, patient
Appointment Fun Bingo
Finding the Fun in Medical Moments
I have several chronic & serious health issues that mean I go to a LOT of medical appointments every year. One week I had about 10 appointments and I realized I needed to find a way to make those experiences more satisfying — and maybe even fun?!
So my darling friend Sarah and I developed a game centered on finding reasons to smile, laugh, and make personal connections at medical appointments: Appointment Fun Bingo.
Each square enlists our natural brain processes and chemistry to
release endorphins and create a sense of well-being
lower cortisol
increase personal connections
I found that marking even a couple squares while in the waiting room generally made me feel better.
Chemo Care Bingo
Connections and Comfort During Chemo
I was delighted by the feedback from folks playing Appointment Fun Bingo. And I wanted to expand its reach.
Since my health conditions require me to spend time in infusion centers, I know that people undergoing chemo face a whole host of special challenges...and usually a LOT of time sitting in the chemo lounge.
My next iteration of the Seriously Happy Bingo cards was tailored to the experiences people often have during chemo...and to bringing comfort, connection & cheer to chemo patients wherever possible: Chemo Care Bingo.
Videos
TED Talks
Flow, the secret to happiness - Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Grit: The power of passion and perseverance - Angela Lee Duckworth
Happy brain: How to overcome our neural predispositions to suffering - Amit Sood
The happy secret to better work - Shawn Achor
How humor can save the world - Karyn Buxman
The new era of positive psychology - Martin Seligman
Playful inquiry — try this anywhere - Robyn Stratton-Berkessel
The power of believing that you can improve - Carol Dweck
The surprising science of happiness - Dan Gilbert
Want to be happy? Be grateful - David Steindl-Rast
Warning: Being positive is not for the faint hearted! - Lea Waters
Action for Happiness
Character & Happiness - with Angela Duckworth
Happiness Habits - with Sonja Lyubomirsky
Positive Emotions Open Our Mind - with Barbara Fredrickson
Podcasts
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
The Science of Happiness with Dacher Keltner
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris