Written by Anne Praino, Account Manager, Corporate Benefits
May is the perfect time to focus on growth, especially the kind that happens within. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re turning our attention to the science of wellbeing through the lens of positive psychology — a forward-thinking approach that explores how we can build lasting happiness and discover what truly brings us joy.
While traditional psychology often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental illness, positive psychology emphasizes the strengths, values and behaviors that enhance our day-to-day lives. It encourages us to cultivate qualities like gratitude, hope, happiness, resilience, creativity, perseverance and purpose — as well as to explore the power of optimism and spirituality in shaping our experiences. Rather than focusing on what’s wrong, positive psychology invites us to recognize and grow what’s strong, making it a powerful tool for personal development and lasting mental wellbeing. (Positive Psychology, n.d.)
In 1998, psychologist Dr. Martin Seligman used his inaugural address as president of the American Psychological Association to propose a powerful shift in focus — from treating mental illness to also exploring what makes life worth living. From this vision, he introduced the PERMA Model: a framework of five core elements that contribute to lasting happiness and overall well-being.
The PERMA Model
PERMA stands for: Positive Emotions: Cultivating gratitude optimism and joy; Engagement: Finding “flow” and staying present; Relationships: Creating meaningful connections to support social wellbeing; Meaning: Finding purpose; Accomplishment: Celebrating progress. Together, these five pillars form the foundation of a thriving, meaningful life — and they are skills that can be practiced and strengthened over time. (Madeson, 2017)
This month’s challenge is to use the PERMA tool at work in an effort to create a happier, more fulfilling workday. Simply focus on one pillar each week of the Month of May and practice it through small, intentional actions. Here are some ideas to get you started:
P – Positive Emotions: Start your workday by listing three things you’re grateful for at work or share a positive comment or compliment with a coworker.
E – Engagement: Block off 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to focus on a single task or try a new approach to a routine task.
R – Relationships: Check in with a coworker you haven’t spoken to in a while and ask how they’re doing or share a helpful resource with a coworker.
M – Meaning: Reflect on how your work contributes to the company’s larger goals or think about how it aligns with your personal values.
A – Accomplishment: Set a small goal for the day (e.g., finish a task) and celebrate when you complete it, or take a moment to acknowledge a recent achievement, no matter how small.
References
- Melissa Madeson. ”Seligman’s PERMA+ Model Explained: A Theory of Wellbeing,” Positivepsychology.com, February 24, 2017.
- Psychology Today Staff. “Positive Psychology,” Psychologytoday.com.
