A POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE & MENTAL HEALTH

Do you lean towards positive thinking? Does your life feel balanced? Do you care for your mental health?
 
As I was researching topics for my July blog, I wanted to write about a professional topic, but focus on the “lighter” side. As I googled, I found many references to positivity, balance and mental health. Great idea, I thought.
 
Today, when I was swimming laps at the local pool, I was grumbling a bit. I had liked it when the pool adjusted the lanes sideways to allow for more swimmers in the pool under Covid restrictions. It was also a shorter distance and I liked getting to the wall quicker and taking that brief rest.
 
When I noticed myself thinking negatively about the change with the pool setup, I challenged myself to find something to be grateful for. “At least the pool is open,” I thought to myself.
 
“Research shows that a positive outlook on life helps your physical and mental health.” Let’s face it, your attitude about life can have a big impact. When I have had feedback that I am a positive person, I tell people that it has been a process and practice to learn and exercise my positivity muscles.
 
Some of my counseling colleagues cringe when they hear about positive psychology as they feel that it can minimize people’s problems. One prominent coach said that she likes
to use the language of “productive thinking” versus “positive thinking.”
 
The following is an unofficial quiz to test your attitude:  
 
You had a great time at the party and talked to everyone, except one person that ignored you. As you leave the party, do you remember all the great conversations you had or the one person who snubbed you?
 
If you “failed” to get the promotion or the job you applied for, do you take it personally or do you tell yourself that there could be many reasons why it didn’t work out?
 
When a big event is coming up, do you think it will go well for you or do you fear the worst?
 
Are you someone who sees things in “black or white” or do you land in the middle and see the gray areas?
 
Are there areas of your life that are difficult right now? Do you think about how to make these areas better? Do you take steps to make improvements or seek support when needed?
 
During your daily breaks, do you engage in a mental check to see how you are thinking and feeling about things? Are you feeling upbeat or do you need to address any negative thoughts?
 
How is your humor? If you need a boost do you find something funny online, ask a coworker to share a joke or take a dance break?
 
How is your support system? Do you surround yourself with people who listen, understand and validate you? Do they encourage you and see good things for your life?
 
Do you start each day with affirmations?
 
Do you journal or write morning pages each day? Do you start the day by writing down everything that you are thankful for?
 
As we start the second half of the summer, which of these areas can you improve on?
 
How can you live with a more positive outlook and take care of your mental health?
 
I’m not saying that it’s easy, however it will be so worth it to begin to cultivate a more positive mindset.
 
See you in September!

Kay Gimmestad, LCSW-C is a business coach and clinician in New York City with 20 years of experience working in the profit and not for profit sectors of Human Resources, Health and Human Services. She has built a reputation for being highly skilled in facilitating behavior change while working with employees, both individually and in groups, on matters relating to performance management, substance abuse, crisis intervention, and stress/wellness.