Positive Psychology - What Should You Know?

Psychology can be defined as the scientific study of the human mind and its functions. But nowadays, one of its many types is gaining some ground known as Positive Psychology.  Positive Psychology is the scientific study of what makes life most worth living. It focuses on positive events, positive influences and positive experiences of a person to uplift his emotions, state of mind and, ultimately, his life. It is a field that finds out how ordinary people can become happier and fulfilled.

Aims of Positive Psychology

1. To help a person to take the challenges and setbacks of life in a positive manner and even to use those adversities in one’s favour, hence, to make the most out of those hard times.

2. To encourage one to engage with other people.

3. To find fulfilment in productivity and creativity.

4. To look beyond oneself and help others to find lasting meaning and satisfaction.

Techniques from Positive Psychology to Boost one’s Happiness

1. Building Healthy Relationships with Other People

Having relationships and spending time with others is something that we cannot live without. These relationships bring happiness in our lives as they give us a space to speak of our emotions and our thoughts, positive or negative. Positive relationships encourage personal growth and add more meaning to one’s life.

2. Cultivating Gratitude

When our life improves in any sphere, we feel happy about it. However, that happiness does not last long because we always get used to the new changes and circumstances. This makes our happiness return to normal. This is why we should cultivate the feeling of gratitude in our lives. We should always be grateful for the things that we have now and the circumstances that we are living in.

3. Showing Kindness

By performing simple and random acts of kindness for other people can increase your happiness. Studies have shown that kindness releases feel-good hormones, eases anxiety and is good for your heart. Helping an elderly person with their groceries and giving a compliment to someone can make your day.

4. Challenging the Negativity

Fighting our brain’s pessimistic nature is not easy. The negative events in our lives affect our mood more than positive ones. Always look for good facts and turn them into your good experiences. Try to look for positive aspects of every experience. Do not regret the wrong decisions that you have made in your past. Move on from those mistakes and reflect on what you have done well.