94 — How to Find the Good in Life Without Crossing Into Toxic Positivity

Do you dwell on the negative? If so, you’re not alone. Our brains are hardwired to look for negative things in life so we will be aware of danger.
 
But it’s important for your mental health to also notice good things in life. And it’s possible to do so without crossing the line into toxic positivity. Some of the things I share are why it’s hard to look for good news, why it’s so important to proactively look for good things, and a simple strategy you can use every day to remind yourself of the good things in life.
 

Key Takeaways:

• Actively looking for the good in life can have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being.
• Incorporating the practice of seeking out the good into daily routines, such as brushing teeth, can help make it a habit.
• It is important to distinguish between looking for the good and toxic positivity, as the latter involves minimizing pain in an unhealthy way.
• Validating negative emotions while still focusing on the positive aspects of life is a healthy approach to finding the good.
• Looking for the good can improve emotional well-being, decrease distress and physical pain, and even increase life span.