In past posts I have talked about the importance and benefits of practicing positive thinking and how the results can often be long lasting. Recent studies have shown that integrating positive psychology interventions (PPI's) can promote positive feelings, behaviors and thoughts as well as assist with a speedy recovery from the physiological effects of the negative emotions that so often take control of our person (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009). It has also been discussed that infusing your daily activities with PPIs can assist with relapse prevention, increase feelings of well being, decrease depressive thoughts and feelings including tiring symptoms like anxiety, rumination, insomnia and so on (2009).
When thinking of how to get the process started, a simple way could be to engage in random acts of kindness. This can be a fun way to spend time with loved ones and friends, and can even make a fun and cheap date night- and hey at the very least it will be a sure fire way to determine whether or not you are into someone, if they are down with OPP (Optimistic Positive Plans) then they are down with me, HA!
Here are some ideas!
Ding Dong Ditch: Leave a jar of coins, pack of diapers, gas card, movie tickets, popcorn tin for a neighbor or local office. Just make sure to be safe when doing so!
Positive Post - Its: Write positive statements or quotes on post its and put them on doors, windows, or where ever they will stick, in hopes of putting a smile on someones face
Winter Blues Care Packs: Winter is coming and NY weather is labile to say the least.. so stock up on gloves, scarves and hats at your local dollar store and pass them out on those chilly and snowy days!
Vending Machine Perks: Tape packs of popcorn to the Redbox achine, Quarters in envelopes to the soda & snack machines or even to a parking meter. We have all had those days where there isn't even a quarter to be found in the hellish trap between the car seat and arm rest.
Thank You's & Hello's : Can it get any easier than this? Set a number and say hello to that number of people each day, especially the toll booth operators (my goal is always a 7 word interaction, come on, those booths get lonely!) If you want to get creative write and deliver/send cards to those you've lost touch with or to local service departments for their hard work
Have fun and good luck. Remember to be genuine, safe and to take pictures along the way. Feel free to share them in the comments below !
Sin, N.L. & Lyubomirsky, S. (2009). Enhancing Well-Being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology interventions: A practice- friendly meta- analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology: In session, 65(5), 467-489.
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