Author: Genevieve Cook

Disclosure: ChatGpt was used in the creation of this resource

Positive psychology is a field of psychology that focuses on the positive aspects of human experience and exploring strategies to cultivate positive emotions, strengths, and relationships. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of life and the things you can't change, positive psychology helps individuals strive for a happier and more fulfilling life. Positive psychology can be applied to anyone who is looking for happiness in their life, and there are dozens of ways you can implement it. Some of the most common ways are: practicing gratitude, positive self-talk, positive visualization, and engaging in flow activities.

Practicing gratitude: When you consciously focus on gratitude, you train your mind to look for the good things in your life. This shift in perspective helps you notice and appreciate even the small positive moments and experiences. Practicing gratitude can be as simple as including the things you're most grateful for in your prayers or keeping a gratitude journal.

Positive self-talk: Positive self-talk helps improve your attitude by shaping your mindset, boosting self-confidence, and promoting a more optimistic outlook. It is done by replacing negative or self-defeating thoughts with positive and affirming ones.

Positive visualization:  Positive visualization involves mentally envisioning positive outcomes and experiences. By deliberately focusing on positive scenarios, you create a mental framework that supports a positive attitude. 

Flow activities: A flow activity is a positive immersive activity that puts you in "the zone". This means that you are engaged in an activity that you can be completely absorbed in, where it feels like time slows down, and you can focus and be yourself.

Positive psychology offers a fresh and unique perspective on an individual's well-being. It invites us to shift our focus from problems to possibilities, from deficits to strengths, and from surviving to thriving. By embracing the principles of positive psychology, we can foster a more positive attitude, build resilience, and discover the paths to living a meaningful and fulfilling life.