#82 If Life Gives You Lemons

When the world is crumbling around you, old adages like “look on the bright side” or “make the best of a bad situation” can sound flippant or hollow.

And yet, there is actually scientific truth in such advice.

“Positive Cognitive Reappraisal” is a psychological strategy by which someone actively changes their interpretation of a situation to see it in a more positive way.

In 2022, seven German and Dutch researchers published a systematic review of Positive Cognitive Reappraisal and resilience – after analyzing 99 studies, they concluded that this technique 𝘤𝘢𝘯 help us regulate strong emotions, reduce stress, and increase our wellbeing. However, they also noted that it’s rarely used.

So how can you apply it?  Try asking yourself these questions:

• Are any positive outcomes possible from this situation?

•         In what ways could I learn or become stronger from this experience?

•         What can I still be grateful for, despite this situation?