Pessimists and optimists are polar opposites; the former focus on the downside, while the latter tend to look on the bright side. While neither of these mentalities are classified as mental illnesses, they each can have some seriously negative effects on our mental health. First, optimism isn’t always the way…
We all have those days where you get next to nothing done at work—fortunately, we all also have the power to ensure the days that ensue are more productive. First, you should eliminate all detectable distractions: your phone, email or social media notifications, and noise in the office. Also, prioritize…
We all get distracted at work, but if we don’t nip this problem in the bud, it can become more frequent and more difficult to resolve. You can try remedying this problem by putting and keeping your phone away: according to recent research, your phone can be a distraction even…
Flow is a concept in positive psychology that refers to a state of being completely concentrated on the task at hand. Artists and athletes are known for entering flow, as they often “lose” themselves in their work, whether they’re painting a masterpiece or getting in the zone during a game….
When you find yourself in a less than desirable situation, it’s easy to react with negativity; however, it’s more beneficial to channel positivity instead. In fact, if you learn to harness the power of positivity in your every day, you’ll be well-prepared to deal with the bad. One way to…
Gratitude is all about showing your appreciation for the good things in your life; and engaging in gratitude practices is incredibly beneficial to your health. Some scientifically proven benefits of practicing gratitude include a boost in self-esteem, improved quality of sleep, and enriched relationships. One gratitude practice in specific can…
Within the field of positive psychology, we have learned that our happiness is comprised of three main components: 1) our genetics, 2) our life situation, and 3) our thoughts and behaviors. Our genetics account for approximately half of our happiness, but I used to think our life situation (e.g., health,…
The PERMA model is characteristic of the positive psychology movement; it offers a comprehensive understanding of how we can accomplish optimal wellbeing. P stands for positive emotions: it’s important we experience positive emotions like pleasure, love, inspiration, and gratitude. E stands for engagement: we experience engagement when we become completely…
It’s easy to get down on ourselves and feel a little unlucky or unfortunate; but the reality is, we all have something to be grateful for. Take, for example, your very existence! The chances of you being, well, you are slim to none; therefore, you should celebrate even being alive….
We all have an inner bully who focuses on the negative and threatens to send us into a shame spiral, which can have harmful short and long-term effects. This makes acknowledging your inner bully crucial to improving your life and defeating the bully, so you can then replace the negative…
Daily routines can reduce stress, help us break bad habits (and create better ones), and introduce structure to our lives. However, it’s also beneficial to open ourselves to change and new opportunities as they arise—doing so reduces rigidity and increases happiness. The key is finding a healthy middle ground between…
It’s important you make time for your hobbies, as partaking in your favorite activities is vital to stress management, social connection, and your overall happiness. When you engage in an activity you enjoy, you release a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which makes you feel good! Additionally, your hobbies provide you with…
