In advance of a new presidency focus on positive thinking and try to ignore tricks from Trumpsters to weigh us down or become complacent. In reading through my notes on a Women’s March, I was reminded that even during stressful times, we can find a reason to laugh, to be grateful.
Using a technique from Positive Psychology, we can create a way of thinking that is based on counting one’s blessings. Researchers, who are proponents of gratitude, have developed different techniques to help lift one’s spirit, reduce negativity, and promote health. Here are two simple ways to help you through the anxiety of waiting for a new America after we have a new president.
Martin Seligman, M.D., identified as the founder and father of the Positive Psychology movement, is credited with developing the Three Blessing Exercise. Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., at the University of California, Davis, proposes plans for generating an attitude of gratitude.
Dr. Seligman: Three Blessings a Day
In his TED talk, Dr. Seligman points out an exercise that “breaks up depression and increases happiness.” He typically suggests people try this exercise for just a week. Why? Because he says, “when you do it, most people find they like it so much, you just keep doing it.”
The formula is simple. At the end of the day in a journal or on your computer:
- Write three things that went well today.
- Identify why you see these as positive.
- Make a note after each positive event as to why this may have happened.
Elaborating on this concept, Greater Good in Action, from Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, notes: “Writing about why the positive events in your life happened may seem awkward at first, but please stick with it for one week. It will get easier.” Practicing three good things
Dr. Emmons: An Attitude of Gratitude
When we are feeling dragged down by negativity, this is the time when Dr. Emmons would be reminding us, as he did with me during an earlier interview:
“Gratitude is an attitude, not a feeling that can be easily willed.” Even if you are not satisfied with your life as it is today, he pointed out, “if you go through grateful motions, the emotion of gratitude should be triggered. It is like “improving your posture and as a result becoming more energetic and self-confident” adding : “Attitude change often follows behavior change. By living the gratitude that we do not necessarily feel, we can begin to feel the gratitude that we live.” Finding Gratitude During Challenging Times
These simple suggestions are attitude boosters: Smiling. Saying “thank you.” Sending thank-you notes.
And one more thing — in the few days leading up to the election — avoid negative news. If Trump is in the headline, ignore it. Post positive notes around your home. Help is on the way. Vote. Encourage friends to do so. Help is on the way.
Copyright 2020 Rita Watson