Rick Hanson, a key proponent of positive psychology, says that our brain has a negativity bias to facilitate survival of the species, and we therefore have to work consciously to develop a positivity bias. By actively focusing on the positive we can gradually tune the brain to positive experience and gradually desensitise it to negative ones.
Recent research demonstrates that people who focus on the positive more consistently experience improved mood, energy, and physical wellbeing. Positive thoughts can reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, by 23% according to this research.
You are invited to participate in a 2-week challenge to assist with developing your own positivity bias. An example log is provided with this month's Wellbeing Calendar to get you started with recording tasks and conversations daily that you feel proud of and pleased with.