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One of the instinctual reactions to a negative mood or a bad feeling is to try to get rid of it. But we now know that trying to get rid of feelings or moods may not only make us feel worse, there also is research that suggest negative moods can actually be useful.
Psychology research has shown that negative moods can actually be quite useful
Regret, for example, which can make us suffer by reflecting on the past, is an indispensable mental mechanism for learning from one’s own mistakes to avoid repeating them. Worries about the future are likewise essential to motivate us to do something that is somewhat unpleasant today but can create gain or spare us a greater loss in the future.
I remember encountering a psychologist while hiking in Iceland and we talked about some of the differences in our conceptions of what leads to people’s suffering. And she said that one of her primary approaches is to send people with mental health challenges into nature. This hot-off-the-press research supports that she was right, especially in terms of decreasing low mood by taking nature walks.
Walking in nature decreases negative feelings among those diagnosed with major depressive disorder
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders investigated the relationship between walking in nature and emotional affect in those with major depressive disorder (MDD). Compared to urban settings, walking in nature successfully lowered levels of negative affect in those diagnosed with MDD.
The holidays can been notoriously stressful for people. Here’s a video of a clinical psychologist giving tips for the holidays.
Ask an Expert: Dealing with holiday stress | Watch News Videos Online
Watch Ask an Expert: Dealing with holiday stress Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca
Most of us have uncomfortable or unwanted thoughts sometimes. We know from research that trying to control or suppress them typically makes them worse. Think of the “don’t think of the pink elephant” phenomenon. Here’s an interesting article of a recent study that sheds more light on this and what to do.
Can we control unwanted thoughts? New research says, yes
A new study suggests that instead of rejecting or suppressing unwanted thoughts or memories, preempting them can give people better control.
The issue about who reaches out to who among one’s friends and relatives is of course a bit of a “thing.” Here is an interesting article about the importance of reaching out to others and how we tend to underestimate the positive impact this can have on others.
Friends enjoy being reached out to more than we think
People consistently underestimate how much others in their social circle might appreciate an unexpected phone call, text or email just to say hello, and the more surprising the connection, the greater the appreciation.
We know that making gratitude and appreciation explicit in long-term relationships has significant positive effects on the partners, but here is an article about research that suggests that same is true in work relationships.
Here’s an easy way to improve workplace stress – and anyone can do it.
Giving and receiving praise in the workplace may be key to managing day-to-day stress and can enhance performance under pressure.
Reopening anxiety ‘quite common’ as COVID-19 restrictions lift, B.C. psychologist says
Feelings of anxiety are perfectly normal as British Columbians adjust to life without some of the province’s longstanding COVID-19 restrictions, according to one expert.
Mental health experts debunk 10 stress myths
Mental health experts Stephanie Cook and Teresa Leyro debunk 10 stress myths. They cover burnout, stress eating, nail biting, and more.
Feeling pandemic fatigue? Here’s how to cope according to psychologists | News
If you’re feeling exhausted by the stresses caused by COVID-19, you’re most likely experiencing pandemic fatigue.
Nonverbal Overload: A Theoretical Argument for the Causes of Zoom Fatigue
Volume 2, Issue 1. DOI: 10.1037/tmb0000030