Hope
7 Benefits of Having Hope (from Positive Psychology: “What is Hope in Psychology + 7 Exercises and Worksheets”)
- Individuals who are more hopeful and expect to be successful are more likely to experience a state of well-being.
- Individuals with high hope are more likely to view stressful situations as challenging rather than threatening.
- Hope can be a protective factor against the development of chronic anxiety.
- Hope helps motivation and taking action.
- Hope is positively related to overall life satisfaction.
- Hope helps people to maintain their positive involvement in life regardless of challenges.
- Hope is significantly correlated with superior academic and athletic performance, greater physical and psychological well-being, improved self-esteem, and enhanced interpersonal relationships.
7 Ways to Build Hope (from Psychology Today “Finding Hope” Karyn Hall)
- Find a clear path – look to the future – one day ahead, one week, one month, one year… what is one small step to get where you want to go?
- Look for role models – who inspires you? Who do you look up to? Who supports you? Consider what you can learn from them.
- Do what you know you can do. – Sometimes just finding things you know you can do can move you from powerlessness to a sense of hope. Make your bed, cook dinner, talk to a friend. Take a step you can take.
- Perform an act of kindness. Doing for others can have a dramatic impact on your mood and sense of well-being.
- Practice mindfulness. Be present in your current life.
- Find your silver linings and things for which you are grateful. What are the positives in your life? What makes you smile?
- Connect with others. Connections are a vital part of your mental wellness. Even in these difficult times, find a way to talk with others and build relationships.
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