Unhealthy Optimism: Explanation, Instances, and Methods to Manage
In today's fast-paced world, it's common to encounter an overwhelming amount of positivity, often dubbed as 'positive vibes only'. However, this constant optimism can sometimes mask a deeper issue known as toxic positivity.
Toxic positivity is a behavior that forces oneself to stay positive and dismiss negative emotions, rather than expressing genuine empathy. This mindset, while coming from a good place, can have a negative impact when heard and seen all the time with no alternative views.
For instance, cultivating a mindset that instinctively looks for lessons and growth opportunities during bad times can help break the cycle of toxic positivity. On the other hand, most people aren't therapists and may offer optimism when someone expresses feeling upset, but this can have a negative impact if the recipient isn't in the right place to receive that optimism.
Toxic positivity can affect body language and overall health due to stress. It can deny emotional needs, such as a denial of need in the workplace or a denial of emotional needs in friendships. Over time, toxic positivity can change the brain, leading to the strengthening of negative neural networks.
Breaking the cycle of toxic positivity is a personal journey that may involve therapy, uncovering past experiences, or seeking the help of a coach. It's important to stop comparing oneself to others and accept emotions as a normal part of life. Communicating emotional boundaries, accepting and understanding feelings, and developing active listening skills can help cope with toxic positivity.
A small 2022 study found that blocking out negative, painful emotions can be unhealthy and impact mood and social relationships. The opposite of toxic positivity is 'tragic optimism', which accepts negative emotions and proactively seeks meaning in them.
Social media is often flooded with 'positive vibes only' content, which can create a dissonance when feelings don't match what is seen on the screen. Being able to process positive and negative feelings is a critical life skill, and toxic positivity can block us from becoming our more complete selves by refusing to face the existence of painful, unpleasant emotions.
It's crucial to remember that it's okay not to be okay all the time. Embracing our emotions, both positive and negative, is key to leading a healthier, more balanced life. After all, it's in the darkest moments that we often find the most profound growth and understanding.
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