managing stress with positive psychology

Managing Stress with Positive Psychology

Sandeep Kulshrestha, PhD

What is stress

Real or Perceived Heavy Burden on the mind, resulting out of excessive work hours, past or present traumas, perceived or real loss

A by product of how we perceive things happening with us or around us

Sometimes it happens without a warning – losing a job in recession, losing someone dear or any other thing which happens suddenly

If not handled rightly and on time, can be life threatening

Some Negative Impact of Stress

Insomnia Cardiac problemsAddiction of Alcohol/drugs/smokingLoss of appetiteLow self-esteemSuicide/suicidal tendenciesUnstable relationships

How Positive Psychology Helps

Positive Psychology has three central concerns: positive emotions, positive individual traits, and positive institutions (Ref: Positive Psychology centre, Penn University)

Positive emotions and positive institutions can help in a substantial way to reduce or eliminate stress

Different from the traditional view (psychology as a methodology of treating brain ailments); every human being has a potential to be happy and stress free

Spirituality now accepted as a tool to bring harmony and happiness

Positive Psychology tools to Manage Stress

Taking a holiday with family Joining spiritual courses (eg Art of Living, Inner Engineering,

Deepak Chopra etc)/ Practicing Meditation Inculcating new hobbies like cycling, painting, poetry, swimming etc Watching comedies (movies/sitcoms) Usage of social networking sites/blogging Joining any NGO as a volunteer Finding a spiritual or business coach Talking it out with a friend in office Consumption of Healthy food Discussion with partner or a friend Avoiding drinking and smoking

How Positive Institutions help

Institution of family as a support centreAdoption of best practices in organizations to

build holistic work-life balance systemsRobust Coaching and Mentoring systems in

OrganizationsGovernment support/social securitySocial networksFriendly get-togethers at regular intervalsConcept of “Positive Psychology Coaches”

should be inculcated

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Maria Robinson

sandeep@PositivePsychologyIndia.org