Positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, contentment and love not only feel good but are good for you. Positive emotions lead to:
Resilience
Positive Emotions
Positive emotions encompass contentment with the past, happiness in the present and hopefulness for the future. They lead to stronger relationships, improved problem solving and increased resilience.
Benefits of Positive Emotion
- Increased cognitive flexibility and creativity also improves problem solving
- Enhanced productivity
- Increased resilience
- Stronger relationships
- Better self-regulation
- Decreased anxiety
More About Positive Emotions
Contentment with the past
- This might require Forgiveness: of others so that we don’t hold on to bitterness OR of ourselves and are not burdened by guilt. We may have to seek forgiveness from others whom we have offended or hurt. And/or seek forgiveness from a higher power in a religious sense. Forgiving and being forgiven can contribute to valuable healing of relationships and of self.
- Positive memories: Spend time thinking back to happy experiences that have given you joy. Helpful memory triggers include music, photos and reminiscing with friends and family.
Happiness in the present
50% of our happiness is determined by a genetic set point and 10% by our circumstances. This leaves 40% that is determined by intentional activities and attitudes like the following:
- Gratitude: This is both inward (what you are grateful for) and outward (expressing thanks to others).
- Relationships: When going well these can provide joy, laughter, belonging and love.
- Fun: An important part of wellbeing. Have activities (large and small) that provide fun and enjoyment as a regular part of your life.
- Humour: Being able to see the lighter side of things, to joke and laugh can be helpful but only when it is not at another person’s expense.
- Hobbies and interests
- Showing kindness to others
- Engaging in meaningful causes
- Striving for goals that are important to you
Mix them up. Doing a variety of these activities is helpful. Interestingly, having too much routine and only focusing on one habit can mean the positive impact wears off eventually.
Hopefulness for the future:
- Have something to look forward to.
- Don’t be hijacked by future fears.
Impacts on:
- Medical
- Connections
- Work
- Mental Agility
- Optimism
Strategies to Improve Positive Emotions
1. Think over your past.
Are you held down by bitterness or anger towards another? Is there someone you need to forgive or an issue you need to discuss constructively with another to seek resolution? Are there things you feel you need to admit and ask for forgiveness from another?
2. Develop an attitude of gratitude.
Hunt the good stuff in your life. Actively look for things that are going well in your life and the things you appreciate. Consider writing them down regularly (maybe 3 things) on a daily or weekly basis or make it a part of dinner table conversation at home.
3. Plan a weekly fun activity.
If you are part of a family, maybe each member can take it in turns each week to suggest/plan the activity that the whole family participates in. (Cost guidelines will need to be set in advance!)
4. Actively express appreciation to others.
Let those around you know you appreciate their contribution — even if they are just ‘doing their job’. It will make you and them feel happier.
