This document contains an extensive summary of the book: 'Using Positive Psychology Every day' by Ernst Bohlmeijer and Monique Hulsbergen.
Good luck with the exam.
,Content
Introduction
Chapter 1: High time for joy
Chapter 2: Enjoy your talent
Chapter 3: Lose yourself
Chapter 4: Optimists are full of it!
Chapter 5: Have a break
Chapter 6: I am not who I once was
Chapter 7: Sharing your positive life
Chapter 8: Beyond the self
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,Introduction
The book is about: the art of living, a topic that covers questions such as ‘how can I
develop myself most?’ and ‘how can I give meaning to my life?’ This is in line with
humanistic psychology. The starting point is that everyone is unique, creative, spontaneous
and talented, although some people lose sight of their potential. The goal is not to improve
oneself, but to be a more unique, talented self. Rogers states that it is a paradox: the more
you accept yourself, the more change occurs.
Becoming yourself is not a passive action. You have to have the willingness to look at
yourself and take responsibility for your life. Choosing what’s best for you brings along fear,
which you need to be able to bear. This idea is not new, because the ancient Greeks and
Romans already did it, but it is more difficult in our society. Although life is easier (you do
not have to survive on a daily basis), we still have challenges: we know we will die at some
point, we have to deal with adversity, etc.
When do people lose their connectedness with others or meaning in life?
● While trying to meet the requirements imposed by parents or school system
● Doing things mainly to avoid uncertainty
● Doing things only because we think it will make up happier in the future
For a long time, mental health care mainly focused on reducing symptoms, although we
now know that well-being does not necessarily depend upon the absence of complaints.
Therefore, we speak of positive mental health. We say that it is crucial to focus as quickly
as possible on the person’s positive mental health, because this makes you more resilient
and less vulnerable. Acceptance is also an important topic, because we know that
recognition and acceptance of experiences gives you space to focus on what you consider
important.
In this book, the term ‘living positively’ will be used. It means: living with the intention to
appreciate what is present and to enjoy joyful experiences as well as developing yourself
and contributing to society and others. It also means that there is room for negative
emotions.
The topics of the book:
1. Pleasant emotions/experiences - An increase sets in motion a virtuous spiral of
creativity, attention and personal growth.
2. Strengths and qualities - Finding more pleasure and motivation in learning by
recognizing your strengths and talents, which brings more flow into your life.
3
, 3. Optimism and hope - An increase helps you to achieve goals faster and more often.
4. Self-compassion - Allowing pain to exist and approaching yourself in a friendly
way.
5. Coping with trauma and set-backs - Make room for processing these experiences.
Most people grow because of these.
6. Relationships - Active listening and clearly communicating your own needs is
essential for living a happy life.
7. Connectedness and giving - Acts of kindness are the biggest source of joy and
well-being.
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