The mindbodygreen Podcast
528: How to have a more resilient brain | Sue Varma, M.D., board-certified psychiatrist
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Practical optimism involves acknowledging past experiences, implementing actionable change, and maximizing agency for positive outcomes.
- The eight pillars of practical optimism include purpose, processing emotions, problem-solving, pride, proficiency, being present, engaging meaningfully with people, and practicing healthy habits.
Deep dives
Practical optimism: Turning positive outlooks into positive outcomes
Practical optimism differs from regular optimism by acknowledging past experiences, validating them, and implementing actionable change. Practical optimists focus on turning positive outlooks into positive outcomes by maximizing agency and confidence. This approach involves problem-solving, facing obstacles head-on, and seeking help when needed. Practical optimism also emphasizes reframing negative thoughts and actively challenging pessimism. When faced with situations beyond our control, practical optimists accept the truth and explore different approaches, goals, or timeframes. They recognize the power of hope and faith in such situations. Maintaining a balanced level of optimism, avoiding toxic positivity, and cultivating psychological resources are key to being a practical optimist.
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