Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist.
FAQs
In the pursuit of a life that is fulfilling, it is the quest for happiness that stands out as the primary goal. However, the concept of well-being is not limited to fleeting feelings of happiness only. It is a rich tapestry that is woven from positive emotions, social connectedness, sense of fulfillment and the ability to navigate life’s inevitable challenges. Positive psychology is a relatively young branch of science that investigates the determinants of human flourishing, providing the insights and tools to improve people’s psychological state and quality of life.
Well-being is a vibrant tapestry that extends in many ways that are far beyond a fleeting feeling of happiness. Well-being encompasses a really rich spectrum of human experiences that range from the warmth of positive emotions such as joy and gratitude to the really deep satisfaction of meaningful connections and purposeful endeavors. It’s about feeling engaged and “in the zone,” whether you are absorbed in a creative project or in a stimulating conversation.
The PERMA model, a cornerstone of positive psychology, encapsulates these dimensions: This model consists of five elements called PERMA for short:
All of them play their part in helping us feel satisfied and reach a state of wellbeing. Positive psychology acknowledges the fact that mental health isn’t solely about fixing the things that are broken but also about nurturing and amplifying the positive aspects of our lives. Thus, by promoting strengths, building resilience, and experiencing positive emotions, we have a stable ground for a fulfilling life.
Positive psychology rests on five interconnected pillars, each contributing to a life rich in well-being:
Our brains, which are shaped by evolution, have a natural tendency to focus on threats and negativity. This “negativity bias” helped our ancestors survive by keeping them vigilant to danger. However, in modern life, this bias can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and a pessimistic outlook.
The good news is that our brains are incredibly adaptable. Positive psychology interventions, rooted in neuroscience, can help us rewire our neural pathways to favor positive emotions. Think of it like training a muscle: the more we practice positive thinking, gratitude, and mindfulness, the stronger those neural connections become.
Studies have shown that these practices can increase activity in the brain’s left prefrontal cortex, a region associated with happiness and positive emotions. They can also decrease activity in the amygdala, the brain’s fear center. Over time, this rewiring can lead to greater resilience, improved mood, and a more optimistic outlook on life. It’s a testament to the power of our minds to shape our well-being and create lasting positive change.
Positive psychology encourages us to shift our focus from fixing weaknesses to recognizing and utilizing our unique strengths. Everyone possesses innate talents and abilities, whether it’s creativity, kindness, leadership, humor, or perseverance. By identifying and applying our strengths in different areas of our lives, we can experience greater engagement, meaning, and accomplishment.
Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, is another cornerstone of well-being. Life inevitably throws curveballs, but resilient people possess a toolbox of coping mechanisms and a positive mindset that allows them to navigate challenges. Positive psychology teaches us that resilience isn’t a fixed trait; it’s a skill that can be cultivated through practices like mindfulness, self-compassion, and seeking social support.
By focusing on our strengths and building resilience, we become better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs. We gain confidence in our abilities, develop a sense of agency, and learn to see challenges as opportunities for growth. This approach empowers us to create a more fulfilling and resilient life, where setbacks become stepping stones on our path to well-being.
Time limited offer
✔️ Receive training in all the major schools of psychology.
✔️ You can do the courses one at a time! You can even gift one to a colleague.
✔️ A Diploma Certificate is awarded for each course successfully completed.
✔️ There is no time limit for completion – take your time and enjoy the learning.
Human beings are inherently social creatures, wired for connection and belonging. Our relationships, whether with family, friends, romantic partners, or colleagues, play a pivotal role in our well-being. Positive psychology highlights the profound impact of healthy social connections on our mental, emotional, and even physical health.
Strong relationships provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and support. They act as a buffer against stress, loneliness, and isolation. When we feel loved, valued, and understood by others, we experience a boost in positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and contentment. These connections also offer opportunities for shared experiences, personal growth, and a deeper sense of meaning in life.
Positive psychology encourages us to invest time and energy in nurturing our relationships. This involves active listening, expressing appreciation, practicing forgiveness, and resolving conflicts constructively. Building strong social bonds takes effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. Thriving relationships not only enrich our lives but also contribute to greater resilience, happiness, and overall well-being.
Gratitude Practice: Do not underestimate the importance of positive thinking and maintaining a gratitude journal to record all the good things in your life. Practice gratitude by listing the things you are grateful for in a diary or a journal, writing thank you cards and notes, or set some time each day to give yourself a reason to be thankful for.
Savor Positive Moments: Smile more and make sure to stay in those moments of happiness, amazement, or simple satisfaction. Take some time and close your eyes; let the feel good hormones flow through your body and do what makes you happy.
Cultivate Optimism: Counter negative thinking and replace those thoughts with more positive and realistic ones. Maintain a process of redefining any failure as a chance for development.
Mindfulness Meditation: Spend some time in a period of silent meditation where you concentrate on your breath, bodily sensations, or the present moment. This assists in developing awareness, decreasing stress and thereby improving overall health and well being.
Acts of Kindness: Be generous with your time and actions towards your fellow human beings. This could range from giving your time and effort to a neighbor or a friend, to a simple word of encouragement to a stranger.
Pursue Meaningful Goals: When pursuing specific goals, make sure they are based on something valuable and interesting to you. Pursuing a goal has the potential to give a person direction, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment.
Nurture Strong Connections: Spend quality time with your family, friends and loved ones. Make time for as many meaningful conversations as you can, share activities, and expressions of love and appreciation.
Take Care of Your Body: Whilst exercising daily, eat balanced meals, have adequate rest and sleep, plus manage your relaxation time.
Learn and Grow: Embrace the concept of lifelong learning as a primary aspect of life and be willing to take risks and learn new skills. Acquiring more knowledge and skills can be empowering and can pave the way to greater opportunities.
Seek Support When Needed: If you are finding it hard to cope or if you feel overwhelmed for any other reason, remember that help is available; you can talk to friends or family; see a therapist; even join a support group. It is also important to remember that it is okay to seek help when one feels overwhelmed and that it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
