These are very anxious and challenging times with the Coronavirus overwhelming our lives, media and mindfulness.  Is there an emotional strategy to improve our spirits?  I would suggest YES.  Just as vitamins are essential organic nutrients that sustain our life and well-being, the ten positive emotions can act as vitamins to improve your psychological wellness.

We are all bound to feel a natural anxiety about the virus.  The presence (or absence) of positive feelings can turn the tide on how you psychologically handle this anxiety. The ten positive emotions are: joy, gratitude, hope, love, serenity, pride, awe, amusement, inspiration, interest.  Please speculate for a moment which you imagine would calm you down.

Three of these positive emotions may help keep you in a better frame of mind. I suggest that hope, serenity and gratitude may help you feel more resilient and less anxious.  These feeling are summarized as:

Hope:  A belief or yearning that things can change and be better in the future, especially when the present moment is uncertain or challenged. Feeling motivated to turn things around to benefit yourself and others.*

Serenity (savouring, at peace):  Low key, personal and private joy; savouring the moment; feeling that things are so right and comfortable.  Perhaps seeking ways to integrate this moment into your life more fully and often. Privately reflect on your prized present moment.*

Gratitude: Appreciating something that has come our way as a gift to be treasured.  It opens your heart and carries the urge to give back – to do something in return.*

Yes, the current situation is challenging but we can be mindfully resilient by being hopeful, peaceful and grateful for what we do have in these troubling times.  However you must be deliberate and mindful when you activate these emotions,  as much of improved wellbeing is intentional, not automatic enhancement of your situation and experience.  And always start with gratitude, as this is the gateway vitamin to wellness and empowers all the other constructive emotions.

Know peace (serenity) and be prayerful in your own way.

Reflection Source: www.Smallercup.org

Please freely share and widely, there are no copyright concerns.

*: Positivity by Barbara Frederickson