5 ways Positive Psychology can change your life

Positive Psychology, often referred to as the “Science of Happiness and Well-being”, is a fairly new academic area that looks at situations, emotions or actions that help individuals find meaning, purpose and a sense of accomplishment. Introducing some of the theories and practices that promote positive psychology can help individuals lead a more successful and flourishing life, both personally and professionally. Let’s look at 5 of them.

This blog was written by Bookboon author, Sandeep Kulshrestha.

Practicing Gratitude

 Practicing Gratitude may sound a bit abstract or flimsy to many, but gratitude can reduce stress, depression and increase empathy for others. In Positive Psychology Research, a deep connection has been found between practicing gratitude and achieving emotional well-being.

Gratitude can be practiced in many ways, including writing a thank you note, counting one’s blessings or writing down a few things that made you feel good that day or week.

Meditating

Meditating doesn’t necessarily mean sitting underneath a tree or trekking to the Himalayas. Meditation can be a quick 5 to 15-minute breathing exercise during the day – even at the workplace.

Sitting calmly without being disturbed to take a few intense and slow breath has fantastic relaxation benefits. There are many ways to meditate, so, find what works for you and stick to it.

Create a Bucket list

Creating a bucket list is not as simple as one may imagine it to be because as much as they are supposed to be fun, they should also follow somewhat realistic ideas. For example, if one of your goals is to travel, adding “touring the entire world in the next year” is unrealistic but “booking a one-way ticket to Paris” is still exciting but more manageable. Try creating lists with titles such as “15 things to do before I die” or be more specific with “15 ways I will touch people’s lives”. Then add goals you can achieve such as “Every year on my wife’s birthday, I will surprise her in a creative way.” It’s your bucket list, have fun with it!

Compliment People

Research in Positive Psychology shows that when we make others happy, our well-being and happiness is enhanced as well. Genuinely complimenting friends, family and even strangers can have an immense impact on our psychology. Try giving one compliment every day for 30 days and watch your happiness grow.

Savouring Everyday journeys

Relishing the moments where you have smaller victories is one way of practicing Positive Psychology. Learning a new skill, cooking a delicious dinner or having a great conversation are all examples of everyday accomplishments. And these should be celebrated!

Finding small pockets of joy every day and savouring the moment is a great way to improve your mental well-being. Appreciating what the “here and now” is an act of mindfulness and one that can change your life immensely.

Practicing Positive Psychology helps you learn to understand yourself better. Whether you are a student of Psychology or a working professional, these tools help you appreciate what you are doing, maintain better relationships and achieve heightened levels of happiness and well-being.