As we finally are approaching the summer sun, I thought it would be a perfect time to bring up an in-depth on the Power of Positive Psychology. It's something I feel we always need more of in this world that's hustling around and forgetting to remember the good moments. more than enough times, I find myself reminiscing and manifesting the negative things of certain events or moments in life. I have found it more drains my energy than fuel.
I wanted to highlight positive Psychology and how that is the food to fuel our inner energy and additionally leads to overall happiness and better longevity. It takes work, but becoming aware and talking about it will help us realize in moments we want to be negative, that finding a positive way is a better way to spend our energy. it won't just make us feel better, but it will add to our energy and not drain us like the negative cloud that can feel like a heavyweight.
First Let's understand positivity and negativity...
Positive energy refers to the concept of a life force that emanates positivity, good vibes, and a general sense of well-being. It can be experienced through the actions and attitudes of individuals, as well as in the environment around us. Positivity, on the other hand, is a state of mind that is characterized by an optimistic attitude, a hopeful outlook, and a general sense of happiness and contentment.
Research has shown that positivity has a powerful psychological impact on individuals. It can improve mental and physical health, increase resilience to stress, and enhance overall well-being. The power of positivity lies in its ability to shift our focus from negative thoughts and emotions to positive ones, which can have a significant impact on our mood, behavior, and overall quality of life.
Many experts believe that cultivating positive energy and maintaining a positive outlook can lead to increased happiness, better relationships, and improved overall success in life. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives and letting go of negative thoughts and emotions, we can harness the psychological power of positivity and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.
Positivity refers to the state of mind that is characterized by an optimistic attitude, a hopeful outlook, and a general sense of happiness and contentment. Positivity involves focusing on the good things in life, cultivating positive emotions, and approaching challenges with a solutions-focused mindset.
Negativity, on the other hand, refers to a state of mind that is characterized by a pessimistic attitude, a negative outlook, and a general sense of unhappiness and discontentment. Negativity involves focusing on the negative aspects of life, dwelling on problems and challenges, and approaching situations with a defeatist mindset.
There is growing scientific research that suggests that positive psychology can have a significant impact on longevity. Here are some key findings:Positive emotions and longevity: Studies have found that individuals who experience positive emotions such as happiness, joy, and contentment tend to live longer than those who experience negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, and depression. For example, a study of nuns found that those who expressed more positive emotions in their autobiographical writings lived longer than those who expressed more negative emotions.
Optimism and longevity: Optimism, which is a key aspect of positive psychology, has been shown to be associated with longer life expectancy. A study of over 70,000 women found that those who scored higher on measures of optimism had a significantly lower risk of dying from all causes, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Resilience and longevity: Resilience, which is the ability to cope with stress and adversity, is another key aspect of positive psychology. Studies have found that individuals who are more resilient tend to live longer than those who are less resilient. For example, a study of older adults found that those who were more resilient had a lower risk of dying over a 7-year period than those who were less resilient.
Scientific evidence suggests that positive psychology can have a significant impact on longevity. By cultivating positive emotions, optimism, and resilience, we can improve our overall well-being and increase our chances of living a longer and healthier life.
Positive energy, or positivity, can have a wide range of benefits on our mental and physical health. Here are some examples:
Improved mental health: Studies have shown that cultivating positive energy can lead to improvements in our mood, and overall well-being, and can even help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research has also found that individuals who exhibit positive emotions have a lower risk of developing mental health disorders.
Better physical health: Positive energy has been shown to have a direct impact on our physical health. Research has found that individuals who experience positive emotions have lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and a lower risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease.
Increased resilience: Developing positive energy can also help us become more resilient in the face of stress and adversity. Research has found that individuals who cultivate positive emotions are better equipped to cope with difficult situations and bounce back from setbacks.
Improved relationships: Positive energy can also have a positive impact on our relationships with others. Studies have found that individuals who exhibit positive emotions are more likable and attractive to others, and are better able to form and maintain close relationships.
Cultivating positive energy can have a wide range of benefits on our mental and physical health, our ability to cope with stress and adversity, and our relationships with others.
What does psychology say when it comes to positive thoughts versus negative thoughts?
Psychology suggests that positive thoughts and negative thoughts can have a significant impact on our mental and emotional well-being. Here are some key findings:
Positive thoughts lead to positive emotions: Studies have found that positive thoughts can lead to positive emotions such as happiness, joy, and contentment. When we focus on positive thoughts and experiences, we are more likely to feel good about ourselves and our lives.
Negative thoughts lead to negative emotions: Similarly, negative thoughts can lead to negative emotions such as anxiety, sadness, and anger. When we focus on negative thoughts and experiences, we are more likely to feel overwhelmed and stressed.
The power of perception: Our thoughts and emotions are closely linked to our perception of the world around us. When we have a positive outlook and focus on the good things in life, we are more likely to perceive the world as a positive and supportive place. On the other hand, when we have a negative outlook, we are more likely to perceive the world as hostile and threatening.
The role of cognitive distortions: Negative thoughts are often associated with cognitive distortions, such as black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, and overgeneralization. These distortions can create a negative cycle of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that can be difficult to break.
So how is positive psychology proven to chemically change our brain and energy for the best?
Positive psychology has been shown to have a chemical impact on the brain and energy levels, leading to a range of physical and mental benefits. Here are some key findings:
Increased production of feel-good neurotransmitters: Positive emotions are associated with increased production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These chemicals help regulate mood and can have a powerful impact on our mental and emotional well-being.
Reduced stress hormones: Positive emotions can also lead to a reduction in stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, leading to improved mental and physical health.
Improved immune function: Positive emotions have been shown to have a direct impact on immune function, leading to improved overall health and well-being.
Increased neural connectivity: Studies have found that individuals who cultivate positive emotions have increased neural connectivity in areas of the brain associated with emotional regulation, empathy, and self-control. This can lead to improved emotional regulation and resilience in the face of stress and adversity.
With all that information you might be wondering, how the heck do we practice positive psychology?
There are many ways to practice positive psychology and cultivate a more positive outlook on life. Here are some practical tips:
Practice gratitude: Gratitude is the practice of focusing on the good things in life and being thankful for them. Practicing gratitude regularly can help shift our focus from negative thoughts and experiences to positive ones. You can practice gratitude by writing down three things you're thankful for each day or by taking a moment to appreciate the good things in your life.
Cultivate positive relationships: Building and maintaining positive relationships with others is a key aspect of positive psychology. Surrounding yourself with supportive and uplifting people can help boost your mood and improve your overall well-being. You can cultivate positive relationships by spending time with loved ones, joining social groups or clubs, and participating in community events.
Engage in activities that bring you joy: Doing activities that you enjoy can help boost your mood and improve your overall well-being. Make time for hobbies and activities that make you happy, whether it's reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time with friends.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Practicing mindfulness regularly can help improve emotional regulation and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. You can practice mindfulness by meditating, taking deep breaths, or simply focusing on the present moment.
Exercise regularly: Exercise is an important aspect of positive psychology as it has been shown to improve mood and overall well-being. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, whether it's going for a walk, taking a yoga class, or hitting the gym.
Practicing positive psychology involves cultivating a more positive outlook on life and focusing on the good things in life. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can improve your mental and physical well-being and lead a happier, more fulfilling life.
Here are some examples of taking something negative and turning it into positivity:
Reframing negative self-talk: Many people struggle with negative self-talk, which can lead to feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem. Instead of letting negative thoughts take over, you can reframe them into positive affirmations. For example, if you catch yourself thinking
"I'm not good enough,"
you can reframe it as
"I am capable and confident."
Finding the silver lining: When faced with a challenging situation, it can be easy to focus on the negative aspects. Instead, try to find the silver lining and focus on the positive. For example, if you lose your job, you can see it as an opportunity to find a new and better career path.
Practicing forgiveness: Holding onto grudges and resentment can weigh you down and make it difficult to move on. Instead, practice forgiveness and focus on the positive aspects of the situation. For example, if someone wronged you in the past, you can choose to forgive them and focus on the valuable lessons you learned from the experience.
Turning failures into opportunities for growth: Failing can be a difficult experience, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and learning. Instead of dwelling on the failure, focus on the lessons you learned and how you can improve in the future. For example, if you fail a test, you can focus on the areas where you struggled and work on improving your knowledge and skills in those areas.
Overall, taking something negative and turning it into positivity requires a mindset shift and a willingness to focus on the good things in life. By reframing negative thoughts, finding the silver lining, practicing forgiveness, and turning failures into opportunities for growth, you can cultivate a more positive outlook on life and improve your overall well-being.
I hope this gives you a good thoughtful challenge this week as we gear up for a busy summer season!
As always,
Be Kind, Do Fearless