Staying optimistic throughout troublesome instances – . Well being Weblog

To say we are going through challenging times sounds both cliché and an understatement. In the past few months, news of the pandemic, economic troubles and bitter political debates have caused tremendous fear and sadness in many Americans.

But when people look back on their lives, it is usually the toughest challenges that give them new perspective or that make them grow the most. Of course, it doesn't feel like that in the middle of a crisis. However, there are steps you can take to help you deal with techniques in positive psychology during difficult times.

How can positive psychology help in difficult times?

Initially, positive psychology mainly focused on having rewarding experiences that made people happier. However, psychologists soon realized that this type of happiness relied on fleeting experiences rather than a more permanent sense of contentment. As a result, the field shifted to focus on maintaining contentment and wellbeing but remaining open to all emotional experiences, both good and bad. Contrary to what you might expect, trying to resist painful emotions increases mental suffering.

“Positive psychology is not about denying difficult emotions. It's about opening up to what's happening here and now, and cultivating and enjoying the good in your life, ”said Ron Siegel, PsyD, Assistant Professor of Psychology at . Medical School.

For example, as you develop the habit of counting your blessings, you may be able to better appreciate the positive aspects of life that linger after a painful event such as job loss or death. And helping others, even when you're struggling, can increase your positive feelings and help you gain perspective.

Growing evidence suggests that positive psychology techniques can actually be valuable during times of stress, grief, or other difficulties. They can also help you develop the resilience to cope with difficulties more easily and get back on your feet faster after traumatic or unpleasant events. Here are three positive psychological practices that you can try.

Be more careful

Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. Learning to live more in the present is especially helpful when the future is uncertain. Formal mindfulness-based stress reduction programs have been shown to help reduce physical and psychological symptoms in people facing a variety of challenges, including cancer and chronic pain. To practice at home, you can try some of the free, guided recordings of mindfulness meditations developed by Dr. Siegel and are available at www.mindfulness-solution.com.

Share some kindness

Research has shown that people who volunteer for their time are happier than those who don't. Those who give charitable donations can even get a little boost in mood. Try this exercise: when you have an afternoon off, flip a coin. Minds, do something indulgent (give yourself a manicure, for example). Tails, do something to help your community or another person (e.g. call or text an elderly person). Notice how you felt at the time and in the hours and days that followed.

Practice gratitude

Gratitude is grateful recognition for what you receive, material or immaterial. With gratitude you acknowledge the goodness in your life. You can apply this to your past (by recalling positive memories and being grateful for elements of your childhood or past blessings), the present (not taking things for granted as they come), and the future (hopeful and optimistic that it will she will give) good things arrive). Our brains are designed to be alert when something goes wrong. However, if you keep a gratitude journal and write down things you are grateful for, you will become more aware of when things are going right.

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