Sports

In sports and other major league efforts, positive psychology can help all of us deal with an inescapable reality: Bad situations happen. Those that can rise above bad situations are able to perform not by getting rid of bad feelings, but by doing what they do in the presence of negative thoughts and feelings without letting them get in the way.

I confess I have not always been a fan of saving the best for last. I certainly would have failed the famous marshmallow test. With time, I have come to recognize and value this conventional wisdom in practice. In sports, in business, or in our relationships, the winners are declared only at the end.

If oxytocin helps inhibit fear, and fear keeps us from exercise, can higher levels of oxytocin lead to more physical activity?

While psychology generally has been a “neck-up” discipline, several positive psychology practitioners and researchers are looking at involving the whole body. Here’s a selection of our great speakers who will be appearing in Ottawa, Canada on July 17 and 18. (Today is the last day to register at the early bird rate.)

The main message of this book is that it doesn’t work to focus only on the cognitive aspects of psychological well-being if you want to increase human flourishing. There are many processes involving the physical body that contribute to psychological well-being. If you have a serious interest in positive psychology and mental health, then reading Positive Psychology and the Body is a must.

Is it better to pursue an individual flow activity, such as taking on a new skill or hobby? Or is it better to find flow interacting with others? Dr. Charles Walker set out to answer these questions.

During the recent London 2012 Olympic Games an unparalleled mood of optimism and hope swept across the United Kingdom. It was without doubt an extraordinary two weeks. The question is whether we can maintain and capitalize on that sense of  Olympic optimism now that the games are over, the athletes have all flown home, and life is settling back to normal. As with the sporting legacy, only time will tell.

The Olympic games now taking place in London bring us paragons of character strengths and virtues from around the world. Here are 6 story lines to watch in London that embody character strengths and virtues. Keep your eyes open for other stories of character strengths as the games unfold.

Kathie and Peter Davis are the visionary founders of IDEA® Health and Fitness Association. One of their main goals for IDEA is to bring positive psychology and the science of happiness into the field of fitness, thereby creating a wholeness model of health for the world.

The promotion of health is a positive and proactive measure that is in line with the field of Positive Psychology’s vision of increasing well-being in the world. Guiding forces in the health, wellness, and fitness industry, Kathie and Peter Davis are the harmoniously passionate founders and visionaries of IDEA Health and Fitness Association. With a focus on optimism, appreciation, integrity, core values, and positive transformation, Kathie and Peter have set a standard for excellence since 1982.

In their new book, Smart Strengths, positive psychologists and educators John Yeager, Sherri Fisher, and Dave Shearon offer a framework for helping students use their strengths. This book takes fresh research and boils it down into practical, ready-to-apply processes. I know that educators and parents will want to read it and keep it on hand as a valuable resource to return to many times over the years.

We can merge Positive Psychology and Positive Physical Activity to establish Positive Exercise Prescriptions (PEP) for flourishing individuals and communities. People can reach for healthier, happier, and richer lives by moving well, reducing the grave risks of inactivity. Let’s seek harmonious passion in moving well.