Positive psychology, as we’ve been discussing throughout this series, is all about focusing on the strengths and attributes that allow us to thrive, rather than just avoiding or treating problems. In this session, we’re focusing on something truly magical-our positive emotions.
According to research from positive psychology, cultivating emotions like joy, gratitude, serenity, and love doesn’t just make you feel good in the moment-they actually help you build a healthier and more resilient mind and body over time. As we put it the other day, "Positive emotions are like sunshine for your brain." I love that visual!
The Science Behind Positive Emotions
There’s some fascinating research behind how positive emotions impact us, and I want to share one study that blew my mind. Back in the 1930s, a group of Catholic nuns wrote personal essays about their lives, and these essays were later analyzed by psychologists in the 1990s. The researchers were particularly interested in the emotional content of these essays-how much positivity was reflected in the nuns’ writing.
What they found was amazing! The nuns who expressed more positive emotions lived up to 10 years longer than those who didn’t. Can you believe that? Positive emotions were a stronger predictor of longevity than even quitting smoking! Now Michelle and I are scientists, and we know there’s a lot involved in longevity, but being positive can’t hurt, right? 😊
Positive emotions don’t just make us happier-they make us healthier. They influence our breathing, our heart rate, our hormone production, and even how our brains function.
The 10 Most Important Positive Emotions
So, what are the most important positive emotions we should be focusing on? There’s a list of ten key emotions that research in positive psychology has identified as being incredibly influential in shaping our well-being. Here’s a quick overview, and we’ll dive into each one as we go along:
1. Joy
2. Gratitude
3. Serenity
4. Curiosity
5. Hope
6. Pride
7. Fun
8. Inspiration
9. Admiration
10. Love
See show notes for full descriptions at: www.tamiwest.c...
Exercises to Cultivate Positive Emotions
Before we wrap up, Michelle and I want to tell you about some exercises we’ll be putting together in a separate document for you. These exercises will help you cultivate more positive emotions in your life. We’re going to guide you through activities like gratitude journaling, finding joy in everyday moments, and reframing negative thoughts into positive ones. These exercises are designed to help you not only recognize but also nurture these emotions on a regular basis.
Wrapping It Up
Remember, positive emotions aren’t just fleeting moments of happiness-they’re foundational to our overall well-being. The more we practice cultivating joy, gratitude, hope, and love, the more we build a life filled with meaning and resilience.
Thanks for joining!
**Not intended to be therapy or replace therapy - If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources:
General Resources National Alliance of Mental Illness: www.nami.org Mental Health America: mhanational.org Mental Health First Aid Resources: www.mentalheal... Celebrate Recovery: www.celebrater... About AA: www.aa.org/
Tami West, PhD Stress and Mental Health Expert
Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.
Thanks for joining today!
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www.tamiwest.com/
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