Tena koutou katoa. Nga mihi nui atawhai.

‘Which way do you choose to see life? As an optimist, seeing the glass as half full? Or, a pessimist, seeing the glass half empty?’ This was the focus of a recent article from our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

As we settle back into school routines and remain at Alert Level 2, it can be easy to focus on the things we might have missed out on in the lockdown rather than what we have gained. The power of positive thinking is remarkable. As Shakespeare said: ‘for there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.’ (Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2)

The EAP article goes on to explain that we can learn to be more optimistic in our outlook and we can learn to be more realistic in the way we think about our lives. What we are aiming for is a midpoint in the optimistic-pessimistic continuum and to find a place of realistic optimism.

And the article give a few tips on how to start thinking more positively:

• Write down a quote that inspires you or find a photo that makes you happy and place it somewhere you can see it as you get up in the morning.
• Get some positive information or conversation flowing into your mind. You can do this by listening to a podcast or some of your favourite music, by reading an uplifting blog post or a chapter in a book that makes you laugh.
• Have a fun or motivating conversation with someone, over breakfast, in the car or bus.
• Exercise regularly with a 20-30 minute walk to create a more positive headspace.
• Be grateful for something every day.
• Bring positivity to someone else’s life. Be kind, give a compliment, just be present for them.

“Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses.
Focus on your character, not your reputation.
Focus on your blessings, not your misfortunes.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart