Positive psychology has become a big thing. Many of us have heard about it, but we still have questions about how it can benefit us and our lives. Here's a quick review: What is positive psychology? How can it improve your life?


In the simplest terms, positive psychology focuses on the science of happiness and how we can increase our well-being by improving our relationships, environment, health, and perspective.

According to a 2012 study by University of California at Davis, over half of people live unhappy lives. Positive psychology works to change this, teaching us how to be happy, improve relationships, and find fulfillment.

How can it help me?

While it's impossible to improve everything at once, you can definitely make your life happier and better in a number of ways.

1. Find Meaning in Your Life

One of the best things you can do for your well-being is to find meaning in your life. This requires you to focus on what you have done and what you still want to do.

We all know how the world would be a better place if everyone had meaningful lives. It's the reason why organizations and communities like churches, colleges, and social clubs exist.

Positive psychology is about finding meaning, which you can get by identifying what is important to you and focusing on the positive aspects of your life.

1. Reduce Stress

Our bodies don't do well when we feel stressed. In fact, it turns out that chronic stress plays a part in many health conditions, from heart disease to cancer.

Stress is also something that we can control. There are various ways to reduce it and make our lives happier. Some of them include:

• Acceptance. We need to let go of things we can't change.

• Meditation. This is a good practice that teaches us to focus on the present.

• Exercise. This can help us reduce stress and build muscles.

• Gratitude. We need to focus on the positive in our lives.

1. Develop Healthy Relationships

Positive psychology also focuses on developing healthy relationships with people.

In one study, couples who were able to support and connect to each other were found to have higher levels of well-being than those who were not.

1. Focus on Emotional Health

Your brain affects your body. So too does your emotional state. Being depressed and overwhelmed reduces your ability to enjoy life, and it can even lead to sickness.

We should take care of ourselves by being emotionally healthy. For example:

• Self-compassion. We should focus on the good parts of ourselves, instead of just being critical.

• Exercise. Exercise increases endorphins, which make us feel happier.

1. Learn More About Yourself

Self-knowledge is key. A positive psychology class can teach us how to improve the quality of our lives, but knowing who we are, and what we believe, will help us move forward with purpose.