Engagement In Positive Psychology

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Engagement in positive psychology supports mindfulness of thoughts and emotions. Positive psychology is different in that it focuses on positive mental health instead of mental illness. Focusing on positive traits leads to happiness. In turn, happiness leads to productivity, success, and fulfillment. Genetics may play a large part in happiness, but there are many skills and strategies, which can reverse brain messages, bad habits, and unhealthy thinking. These strategies allow for happiness, self-confidence and an overall more optimistic outlook on life.

Positive Strategies Related to Mental Health and Happiness In 1946, following World War II, psychologists began to earn a living treating patients with mental illnesses. Soon …show more content…

Concentrating on weaknesses leaves little room for examining the positive aspects in one’s personality and life. Promoting strengths and examining what works, what is appropriate, and what is improving, results in growth as well as an overall more positive aspect on life. Virtues are crucial qualities related to well-being and happiness. Strengths and virtues help to obtain goals and shape outcomes in different situations. Gratitude, kindness, discipline and creativity are all meaningful strengths and virtues worth focusing on in order live life in a more positive, optimistic, yet realistic …show more content…

How your brain operates determines how happy you are, how adequate you feel, and the way in which you interact with others (Amen, M.D. 2009). The physiology of the brain is equally as important as psychological aspects. The deep limbic system, basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cingulate system are all brain systems that can control our thinking and behavior. Becoming familiar with these systems and being able to identify particular thoughts are beneficial for optimizing brain function and positivity. For instance, the deep limbic system directly relates to one’s mood. Physical exercise, nutrition, controlling “automatic negative thoughts”, people skills, and physical contact are all positive prescriptions for the limbic system (Amen, M.D. 2009). It is important to avoid the “Tetris effect”, when our brains tend to stay in a pattern of negativity, impairing resilience (Achor, 2010). Fortunately, it is possible to re-wire our brains, in order view patterns and take advantage of opportunities which we may not have been previously aware

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