Last week, we introduced the PERMA model as a powerful framework for enhancing overall well-being. It’s a roadmap to a more fulfilling personal and professional life, including your role as a speech-language pathologist. Remember, PERMA stands for Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.
Let’s kick off this series by diving deep into the first element: Positive Emotions.
Definition and Characteristics
Common first stabs at defining “positive emotions are “happiness” or “positivity.” That is right…sort of! Positive Emotions refer to feelings that are pleasurable and uplifting. This factor is quite broad. It includes any positive emotion. Sometimes we have several. Sometimes none. The emotions can vary in intensity and duration but generally contribute to a sense of happiness, fulfillment, and well-being when experienced. The great news is that positive emotions can be fostered! Cultivating positive emotions in daily life is crucial to overall well-being. These emotions include but are not limited to love, contentment, excitement, optimism, confidence, satisfaction compassion, kindness, empowerment, safety, and connectedness.
Strategies for Fostering Positive Emotions in Your Personal Life
There are many, many ways to foster positive emotions in your personal life (and therefore significantly enhance happiness and well-being). Here are just a few strategies to consider. Follow what works for you.
- Practice gratitude by regularly reflecting on and appreciating the good things in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can be a helpful practice.
- Engage in activities that bring you joy and satisfaction, whether a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or exploring new interests.
- Practice mindfulness and meditation to stay present and appreciate the moment. These practices can help reduce stress and enhance positive emotions.
- Regular exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood and increase positive feelings.
- Surround yourself with supportive and positive people. Social connections are vital for experiencing positive emotions.
- Perform acts of kindness for others. This can boost your own happiness and create a sense of connection and purpose.
Strategies for Fostering Positive Emotions in Your Professional Life
Fostering a positive emotional environment at work can improve job satisfaction and performance. I can attest to the critical impact of these strategies. I had some serious burnout. PERMA helped me to turn it around for myself. I went from dreaming of ways out to loving what I do again. Here are some strategies you can consider:
- #1 in my opinion: Celebrate achievements! Acknowledge and celebrate both small and large achievements. Recognizing successes fosters a positive work environment. You can do this for yourself and/or your team. I used to skip this. Thanks to Brian Moran, the author of The 12 Week Year, I don’t anymore. I took his Accelerator course. He came on and asked each of us to tell him how we were going to celebrate. He insisted that we do so. I wasn’t going to. I did though. It seemed insignificant. It was the opposite. I look forward to my celebrations now! I have one tonight! It’s a movie night and I’m renting myself a $20 movie that I really want to see.
- Provide and seek out constructive and positive feedback. This can enhance motivation and job satisfaction.
- Cultivate strong, supportive relationships with colleagues. A positive social environment at work can reduce stress and increase happiness.
- Engage in meaningful work. Find aspects of your job that you find fulfilling and focus on them. Aligning your work with your values can enhance positive emotions.
- Maintain a healthy work-life balance. Ensure you have time to relax and recharge can improve your overall well-being.
- Engage in continuous learning and professional development. Gaining new skills and knowledge can be both satisfying and motivating.
Role of Positive Emotions in Overall Well-being
Positive emotions are not just a fleeting pleasure but a foundational component of a happy and healthy existence. Studies have shown that as one increases positive emotions, positive thinking patterns and actions become habitual, and effects from prior negative thinking patterns decrease while resilience increases. (I lived this! I encourage you give it a real try. You can shape your life.) The increase in positive emotions aids in increasing overall well-being. Positive emotions play a crucial role in overall well-being by:
- Building psychological resilience, enabling you to better cope with stress and adversity.
- Their association with better physical health, including lower blood pressure, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and a stronger immune system.
- Boosting creativity and problem-solving as they broaden and enhance thinking.
- Strengthening relationships by supporting social connections, which are vital for mental and emotional health.
- Increasing life satisfaction as one is regularly experiencing positive emotions.
What’s better than being happy with your life?
By cultivating positive emotions, both personally and professionally, you’re taking the first crucial step towards a more fulfilling and joyful life as a speech-language pathologist.
Remember, positive emotions are the foundation upon which the other elements of PERMA are built. As we continue this series, we’ll explore how engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment contribute to your overall well-being.
So, let’s commit to prioritizing positivity and watch as it transforms your SLP journey into a truly rewarding experience. Are you ready to embrace the power of positive emotions?