Free Yourself From the COVID Blues by Opening Up: Look to Positive Psychology to Warm the Coronavirus Winter
Free Yourself From the COVID Blues by Opening Up: Look to Positive Psychology to Warm the Coronavirus Winter
by James E. “Jed” Foster, Jr., MA, LMFT
Most of the patients that have worked with me have heard a variation of the following sentiment: “when you’re depressed, sick, or fearful, it’s hard to see past your own nose.” The explanation is simply that when we’re uncomfortable, it’s easy to fall into a “me-centric” pattern of thinking. It becomes harder to see one’s place in the bigger picture of life, because the discomfort narrows our existence and seemingly forces us to think only about our pain and how to make it stop. The paradoxical remedy is of course to step outside of this pattern and open up your world to a wider range of interactions that can pull you past the end of your nose and get you engaging in life again. It’s easier said than done, but with a little practice, it can become more and more apparent that it is a relatively simple choice to begin the shift. It is as simple as flipping a switch; but sometimes getting off the couch, and walking across the room to flip that switch can feel overwhelming.
Positive Psychology, the scientific study of resilience, well-being, and the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive, informs the therapeutic work happening with my patients at CGH every day. I earned a certification in Positive Psychology in 2016 and have been working on strengths-based strategies with individuals, couples, and families ever since. One of the ubiquitous voices in Positive Psychology is Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD. Dr. Lyubomirsky’s book, “The How of Happiness” is an empirically founded look and how we can focus on maximizing our ability to determine our own experience through choice. Her philosophy can be found throughout the Vox article linked below, “How to Make this Winter not Totally Suck, according to psychologists;” a look at how to reach outside yourself to beat the COVID-cramped cold of winter. Do yourself a favor and read this article, print it out, and read it again! There are some wonderful suggestions therein for accessing positive emotions like gratitude, hope, and optimism by connecting with the world around you – even when we’re being forced to isolate.
Vox: How to make this winter not totally suck, according to psychologists
Jed Foster is a licensed psychotherapist that continues to be both amazed by and drawn to the mind-body connection. Check in on his blogs and video logs for news, information, tips, and commentary on topics related to – but not limited to – the mind-gut connection, behavioral therapy, gut-directed hypnotherapy, weight management, positive psychology, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, overall well-being, and anything else he feels patients will benefit from learning. Jed is actively accepting new patients. Call 224.407.4400 today and begin your journey to better health and enhanced overall well-being.