Devika Mankani is a Holistic Psychologist at Hundred Wellness Clinic and Co-Founder of Chearful.com. Here she explains how you can use proven methods to create a better you in 2024 and beyond.
Once again, we are days away from that 10-second countdown to midnight. To a new year.
As a psychologist with close to two decades of experience in integrative and holistic psychology, I have been deeply influenced by the intricate dance between neuroscience, spirituality, and human behaviour. Each year, as we approach the threshold of a new beginning, I often find myself looking back at both the difficult moments and those I have deep gratitude for. I have been trying to train myself with as much discipline as I can muster, to embrace the profound practice of espousing hope and positivity through it all, not just as fleeting emotions, but as powerful forces that shape our lives.
When I begin my personal annual review, I usually walk through this process by reminding myself of all the magnificent advances in neuroscience and how they have illuminated the different ways positivity impacts our brain. Optimistic thinking strengthens neural pathways associated with positive emotions through a process known as neuroplasticity, demonstrating our brain’s remarkable adaptability. Decades ago, functional MRI studies showed that such thinking activates areas of the brain linked to decision-making, planning, and reward processing. Moreover, positivity and hope can enhance serotonin and dopamine levels, neurotransmitters key to happiness and well-being, while reducing stress hormones like cortisol. This hormonal balance then goes on to precipitate a better coping response to life’s challenges. All that without a pill! Sounds too good to be true at times.
After reflecting on the sciences, usually while sipping a green tea (just getting in the polyphenols and anti-inflammatory benefits while I can), I love to slip on my spirituality hat which always provides a more profound understanding of hope and positivity. Many ancient traditions see hope as a virtue that connects us to a higher purpose and the cosmos, begetting a sense of peace and resilience. Practices rooted in these traditions, like mindfulness, meditation, and acts of service for others can enhance feelings of hope and positivity. Even a single session, with intention, can promote present-moment awareness and a non-judgmental acceptance of our experiences, ultimately deepening our connection with ourselves and our fellow earthlings.
Throughout the year I strive to embody this beautiful integration of neuroscience and spirituality and the holistic approach it offers. Truthfully, however, I get even greater joy from taking my clients in my clinical practice on the journey with me. They often confirm how understanding our minds’ unlimited potential empowers them to invite positive thoughts and emotions more easily. Coupled with spiritual practices, perhaps together we can find deeper meaning within and flourishing connections with others. Perhaps it’s not so elusive after all.
Woven into my preferred theories, at least the ones shared above is the magic of positive psychology which further expands on this well-being story by advocating for a growth mindset. We try to teach our children, or the young people around us, but often forget the lesson for ourselves in the process. Challenges are seen as opportunities for development, and in the process foster resilience. Additionally, gratitude, a potent tool within this field, can significantly uplift our mood and even shift out perspective on certain events. Practices like maintaining a gratitude journal can have a substantial impact on mental and emotional health, a 12% improvement in mood in the 2 weeks. It’s practically impossible to experience gratitude and distress in the same moment. Experiment with your thoughts and I’m sure you will find this too.
Ultimately, just as with any habit and shift, incorporating hope and positivity into our daily routine involves intentional practice. This could mean dedicating time for reflection, engaging in wholesome affirmations, or actively seeking experiences that bring joy and peace. Our social connections are instrumental in nurturing these states of mind, so setting up groups of strong, supportive relationships provides essential emotional sustenance. I advocate for this always, especially when in a world of sophisticated digital tools, we may feel more accessible but not always connected beneath the layers of day-to-day check-ins.
As we prepare for a new year, I’d like to invite you to approach the months ahead with a mindset that embraces both the scientific and spiritual aspects of hope and positivity. This integrated perspective can lead to moments that are richer in connection and purpose. The future, inherently uncertain, can be approached with a mindset of hope and positivity, transforming our experience of the unknown. Embracing change as an opportunity for growth allows us to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and optimism.
For many of us, this year has involved witnessing human atrocities quashing our faith in humanity. I can say with certainty that a significant number of clients have turned to professionals like me this past year, to get some kind of support with these difficult emotions. I try to help them process these feelings using a framework I call purposeful emotional journeying. The premise of this is to move from Anger to Action, Guilt to Gratitude, and Loss to Love. At the risk of trying to oversimplify deep and complex emotions which not only have roots in the recent past, but also in transgenerational memories. This has proven to be a very useful pathway to guide my clients, my family, and myself during difficult times.
So, on the threshold of 2024, let’s aim to make the months gone by and those to come, rife with personal transformation and growth. By understanding and applying the principles of neuroscience, spirituality, and positive psychology, we can cultivate a life rich with hope, positivity, and meaningful connections. This approach not only deepens our personal well-being but also contributes to a more compassionate and optimistic world. The upcoming year presents us with yet another opportunity for each of us to grow, connect, and find deeper meaning in our lives, infused with the transformative power of hope and positivity.
