Positive psychology was a term that Maslow coined in 1987. However, the psychology branch known as positive psychology was popularised by Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. In psychology, the focus has traditionally been on the negative. However, optimum life can be achieved by banking on the positives and the strengths. This is a simplistic definition of positive psychology. I concentrated on each person’s positive strengths and did simple exercises to improve overall peace, gratitude, self-compassion, forgiveness, and fostering healthy relationships and social relationships.
We can approach mental wellness in treatment or preventative modes. Positive psychology focuses on prevention and fostering the positive. Our mind is like a jar filled with stones. There is no place for the positive stones when we put in stones of negative thoughts. This does not mean that we should detest or resist negative thoughts. Acknowledging that evolution, we have been wired to have negative thoughts to protect ourselves from danger, but being open and accepting of the negative thoughts are ways to handle them. In today’s world, there is so much competition, focusing on materialism, jealousy, and hatred.
Are we reflecting enough on the deeper meaning of our lives, concentrating on peace, connecting positively to others, living by our innermost values and being pro-social and responsible humans? We can manage stress and prevent stress-based health issues by cultivating positive psychology. The pillars of positive psychology are gratitude, pleasure, and connecting with people. Happiness is the Holy Grail of the masses. It is an elusive state of mind that people want to achieve.
List what upsets and stresses you before knowing what will give you happiness and joy. By sheerly avoiding activities that stress you, it provides a base for a happy mindset. Happiness can take two forms. One is hedonic and eudaimonic happiness. The first kind is short-lived and increases happiness after a party, eating a good meal, holiday, etc. Eudaimonic happiness is the long-lived mental state of happiness, and this can only be achieved when your values, goals, passion and strengths align. When a meaningful life is realised, life becomes a more joyful journey. Happiness is like a violin that needs to be practised. But happiness is key to increased productivity, better quality of life, higher concentration, greater resilience towards illnesses, improved immunity and longevity.
The “Hierarchy Of needs” is a model of Maslow. Over time, material factors that provide basic needs, after being fulfilled, move on to complex needs such as self-esteem, respect and creativity. As societies fulfil their basic needs and become more complicated and wealthy, the happiness index is not measured based on material needs. It is based on creativity and self-esteem. However, it is essential to start with basics first and fulfil basic needs before moving on to higher goals of self-actualisation, which is at the top of Maslow’s list of needs. Some people confuse positive thinking with positive psychology. However, positive thinking is used to achieve a state of mental wellness and live a completely fulfilling and harmonious life. more exercises will be published in blogs.
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