It’s easy to see the glass as half full when everything is going right in your life, but how do you deal when things get challenging? There are really two options - either wallow in it or try to look on the bright side. And it turns out, choosing that second option can make you happier in the long run, new research suggests.
In a new study, researchers analyzed data on more than 500 adults during the peak of the pandemic, dividing them into two groups based on personality traits.
- One group had higher levels of playfulness based on the Adult Playfulness Trait Scale, while the other had lower levels of playfulness.
- Researchers found that both groups had a realistic view of what was going on during the pandemic, but the playful group stayed more optimistic about the future and was better at problem-solving.
- The playful group, dubbed the “lemonading” group, were more resilient and happier overall.
- They basically made lemonade when life gave them lemons.
While this playful, positive mindset is easier for some people than others, experts say these are some ways to apply the idea of lemonading to your life.
- Gratitude journaling - Write down four specific things that you’re thankful for every day.
- Practice playing - The playing can be anything that sparks joy for you, whether that’s doing a craft, going for a run or dancing it out in the kitchen.
- Find humor in the everyday - It’s not always easy to laugh when life is stressful, but that’s when laughter helps the most. Using humor makes it easier to cope with challenges, so look for those amusing tidbits when you can.
Source: Real Simple