5 Lessons in Positive Psychology

Written by Carolyn Cutillo, MHC-LP

I’m excited to share with you 5 lessons in the basics of positive psychology, a growing branch of psychology that focuses on fostering human flourishing and wellness.

Let’s start with an important acronym: PERMA. It stands for the 5 pillars of positive psychology: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments. We want to have some of each of these elements in our lives, so it’s worth asking yourself which one you’re missing most right now. You can learn more about each part of PERMA at positivepsychology.com/perma-model.

Studies show that writing down 3 things that went well, or that you’re grateful for, at the end of the day helps boost well-being. An added bonus is including why each good thing happened. So here’s the question for today: what are 3 things that are going well for you right now?

Taking care of your mental health doesn’t mean only focusing on what feels wrong. It also means focusing on what’s right. We all have inherent strengths, and using them leads to a more meaningful, engaged life. If you want to find out your top character strengths, you can take a free quiz at viacharacter.org.

Gratitude is an incredibly important part of a happy life, and not just thinking about it in your own head, but actually expressing it to others. Try this: write a gratitude letter to someone in your life you may have never fully thanked before, like a parent, mentor, friend, or partner. If you can, read the letter to them out loud. It might be the boost your relationship has been waiting for, and it will likely make you both feel great.

Doing random, conscious acts of kindness, whether for strangers or loved ones, can give your sense of positivity a real boost. Happiness researchers suggest that 5 small acts of kindness in a single day is a good target. Pay it forward today and see how it feels.

If you enjoyed this mini lesson and want to keep exploring what positive psychology can do for you, reach out to Live Well Practice to start your therapy journey.