The Well Traveled Path: Positive Solutions in Times of Uncertainty

As we enter the second month of 2022 and year two of this pandemic, we are all individually questioning - what is next? The uncertainty and information overload for this extended time overwhelm our processing capacity leading to anxiety and confusion. The traumatic insult to our mental wellbeing takes time to regenerate - and certainly everyone’s pace out of this will look vastly different.

For me, I like to look for positive solutions in times of uncertainty. Call it my zen, but the principles are based on positive psychology - the science of how to enhance the human experience. Some of the main topics focus on meaning, coping, self-compassion, courage, gratitude, positive emotions and high-quality connections.

The application of positive psychology impacts every facet of our lives - education, health, organizations, etc. How do we mix a dose of positive psychology for exiting out of this pandemic? Some are searching for meaning and purpose, some are looking for improvedemotional connections, while others are seeking courage.

My exit strategy isn’t some grand transformative experience, but the cumulation of small steps foward finding positive emotions and connections - travel is part of that for me. 97% respondents of a recent survey reported that having a trip planned makes them happier. I have several short, medium and long trips spattered across the next couple of weeks, and that alone feels restorative to me. Another aspect of travel is the stretch capacity that leads to happiness in the reward center of our brain. What makes you want to go surfing while in Costa Rica? Why the urge to take a cooking class while in Provence when you don’t really cook? When we are engaged in novel experiences it leads to a better mood, reversely, a better mood motivates us to stretch our capacity to try new things. Part of my search for connections is by learning from others while I am traveling - impromptu conversations give me new perspectives, stretching me to grow culturally.

We often put much emphasis on our physical well being - hydration, fitness, nutrition. Yet at times, it is our mental wellbeing that needs care. Whatever stage you are in for exiting this pandemic - it is ok to crawl, walk or run - there is no playbook here. To quote Ethan Kross from his recent book Chatter: “The mind is flexible, if we know how to bend it. What will you do?”