Joy, meaning and strengths
Wellbeing is not just the absence of ill-being, but instead a state in which we are feeling good and functioning well.
Two of the great psychologists and academics championing this approach to wellbeing are Martin Seligman and our own Lea Waters, and I’m sharing some of their evidence-based ideas below around pathways to wellbeing.
Joy, excitement, hilarity, enjoyment, pride … what do you do regularly that brings these experiences into your life? They don’t have to cost money, or [too much] time, but they can bring balance into our stress-filled days. Is it stretching or running? A favourite playlist? A photo? A great joke, a great show, a great chat with a funny friend? A well timed meme? We know that positive emotions help us broaden our perspective and build personal resources for now and for tough times ahead (Barbara Frederikson); how can we incorporate more into our day?
Meaningful experiences are another winner. These aren’t always fun (and don’t we know it) but they are, for many including me, the stuff of life. Often our work in schools is ‘all meaning’ but where can you find a bit of a boost in other areas? Or is stopping and noticing all the good you do for others, seen and unseen, the boost you need to remember that we can find meaning all around? Emily Esfahani Smith writes beautifully on meaning if you want to read more.
And strengths – isn’t it great to know we can build capacity by building on our existing strengths, sometimes more effectively than addressing weaknesses? Many of us do this naturally, and the evidence (and free assessment tools, eg the VIA character strengths survey) supports the association between strength-based approaches and wellbeing. For me, bringing three strengths (love of learning, kindness and perspective) together in my everyday work brings me joy and a sense of meaningful contribution – and I notice it (balcony) rather than just do it (dancefloor) for an extra boost.
What are your strengths, and how can you bring them in to play to support your wellbeing?
Melinda Phillips, Director/Principal Psychologist at Compassionate Schools.
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