Top Tips for Practising Positive Psychology

Positive Relaxation

Would you like some practical tips for practising Positive Psychology?

I once had a friend whose view on life was very negative. I telephoned her and asked how she was. She replied that she was off sick for a week due to the trauma she felt on discovering that her car had been vandalised.

She was unable to see the positive side to situations because her reactions to events were ruled by negative emotions – and often these emotions literally made her feel ill and take to her bed. I wish at that time I had known about Positive Psychology and how its findings could have been used to help her.

A new report from Harvard Medical School. Positive Psychology: Harnessing the Power of Happiness, Personal Strength, and Mindfulness describes many of the concepts of Positive Psychology and teaches how to put positive emotions to work in your life.

Here is a summary of the report:

“Positive emotions have been linked with better health, longer life, and greater well being in numerous scientific studies. On the other hand, chronic anger, worry, and hostility increase the risk of developing heart disease, as people react to these feelings with raised blood pressure and stiffening blood vessels. A Harvard School of Public Health study found that people who are generally hopeful were less likely to develop hypertension, diabetes, or respiratory tract infection than those who were less hopeful.

• Using the positive in your life
• Finding and using your inner character strengths
• Achieving the “flow” experience
• Putting mindfulness to use toward well being
• Developing gratitude
• Savoring pleasure
• Achieving flow experience
• Finding the meaningful live”

How do you start to practice Positive Psychology?

Here are my top tips to help you start implementing Positive Psychology into your life.

• Single Task. Multitasking is the enemy of savouring. If you are walking in the country savour the experience, the sites, the sounds, the smells. Do not make calls or check your emails on your mobile
• phone at the same time.
• Celebrate. If you achieve something or complete a project, celebrate the event with your friends or work colleagues.
• Slow down. Take time to enjoy things. there is no need to rush around. Eat dinner slowly. Have a long hot bath. Learn to relax and meditate.
• Simplify. Is your life too complicated? De-clutter your home. Reduce your options.
• Share the moment. Share precious moments with a loved one – a sunset, a concert, a special candle lit meal.
• Music. Listen to relaxing music

All these strategies help you have a positive and more relaxed attitude to life. If a vandal scratches the side of your shiny new car, sure, be angry for a few seconds then let the emotion go. Do the practical things: call the insurance company, get the car fixed and look forward to driving a refreshed car. Be grateful that your life is positive and you feel no need to scratch other people’s cars.

Read What is Positive Psychology?