Sometimes this is actually excellent advice
If you felt triggered by this headline, you’re not alone. There’s almost nothing worse than hearing “be positive!” when you’re going through a tough time — or even when you’re just having a mundane, run-of-the-mill day.
And, while we would never condone toxic positivity (the unrealistic expectation to maintain a positive outlook during difficult times), we acknowledge there’s plenty of wisdom to be found in Positive Psychology.
The study of Positive Psychology dates back centuries. Ancient philosophers believed that in order to be happy, you needed to know your true self and live in accordance with your virtues.
Today, Positive Psychology is the practice of cultivating contentment. It’s about honing your strengths, practising gratitude, and soaking up what’s good in life. In many ways, it’s an antidote to our brain’s tendency to focus on the negative (negativity bias). Our brain is constantly looking for threats in our environment to keep us safe — Positive Psychology is a kind of manual override, where we choose to focus on all that’s good, pleasurable and meaningful.
You don’t need a degree in psychology to weave some Positive Psychology practices into your life. Small, consistent habits are a great place to start.
They don’t need to be big — a good coffee, a kind message, or a sunny morning all count. Over time, this practice helps train your brain to notice the positives more naturally.
Think about things you’re good at. Positive Psychology suggests that when you lean into your strengths, you perform better and feel better.
Life is full of small joys we often overlook. Pause to really notice the taste of your meal, the sound of laughter, or the feeling of finishing a task.
Strong, supportive relationships are one of the biggest predictors of happiness. Make time to nurture them.
Doing something kind for another person boosts their wellbeing and yours. It doesn’t have to be grand — a smile, a compliment, or holding the door open all make a difference.