Positive Psychology & Flourishing

The past year and a half have been chaotic for most of us, and we want to transition from surviving to thriving. Flourishing is all about having optimal well-being. It includes experiencing positive emotions as well as good mental and physical health. But, can we achieve this?

 

Flourishing consists of six key steps:

 

  1. Positivity

The practice of being, or tendency to be, optimistic in attitude. Open yourself up to humor. Practice positive self-talk. Identify your areas of negativity. Focus on the good things. Challenging situations and obstacles are a part of life.

  1. Vitality

Having the capacity to live and grow, or physical or mental energy or strength. An example of vitality is a person who is young, strong and excited about all aspects of life. Power to live or go on living.

  1. Achievement

A result gained by effort. Inspired action. When we meet our goals, we get a sense of control and purpose that is vital to our flourishing.

  1. Meaning

Similar to achievement, we must find meaning in our life to flourish. We must have passions and hobbies to get fulfillment.

  1. Relationships

Human beings are designed for connection. We need authentic, meaningful, life-enhancing connections. Being more connected to friends, family, partners and others can clear your head and boost your mood. Research shows that good relationships help people live longer, deal with stress better, have healthier habits and have stronger resistance to colds.

  1. Engagement

You may have heard the word flow come up in recent conversations. If you have ever felt completely absorbed in something, you might have been experiencing a mental state that psychologists refer to as flow. Achieving this state can help people feel greater enjoyment, energy and involvement. Flow is a state of mind in which a person becomes fully immersed in an activity.

Positive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi describes flow as a state of complete immersion in an activity. “The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost,” Csíkszentmihályi said in an interview with Wired magazine.

So now you know the six key steps to flourishing. LIFE is committed to helping our community flourish.

Want to learn more? Check out our Master’s in Positive Psychology.

 

Slice of LIFE is an invitation to and extension of everything happening at Life U. Whether you are a current student, a potential freshman or a proud alumni, Slice of LIFE can help keep you connected to your academic community. Know of a compelling Life U story to be shared, such as a riveting project, innovative group or something similar? Let us know by emailing Marketing@life.edu.