Positive emotions can help us feel more balanced and connected, and practicing them regularly can make a real difference in family life. Here’s an exercise by Teens Health to help you and your kids cultivate positive emotions together.
Below is a snapshot of the groups of positive emotions along with an example to practice each. For the full breakdown, check out the original post.
For each group, think of an activity or situation that helps you feel one of these emotions. Next, pick one or two positive emotions that you want to practice this week. Commit to engaging in activities to help practice the positive emotion every day for a week.
1. Joyful, happy, glad, lighthearted, pleased
Example: “When I get home from school my dog is so glad to see me and I feel glad to see him, too. I will make time to play with my dog every day.”
2. Grateful, thankful, appreciative
Example: “When I take time to notice all my mom does to take care of us, I really appreciate her. To feel more gratitude this week, I can list the things I love about mom and why I’m lucky she’s my mom.”
3. Peaceful, relaxed, serene, at ease
Example: “Stroking my cat and hearing her purr gives me such a feeling of being relaxed. I’m going to try that before bed each night this week and focus on how peaceful she is.”
4. Interested, engaged, attentive
Example: “I get completely absorbed in my music. When I play, I’m not thinking about anything else. I’ll plan to practice each day after school, before I do my homework.”
5. Hopeful, wishful, expecting good things
Example: “Before a game, I feel hopeful that we’ll win. This week, I’ll concentrate on that feeling of hope and expecting good things before I play.”
6. Proud, beaming, satisfied, confident, accomplished
Example: “When I cook something, I feel accomplished. This week, I’ll bake something for the whole family. I love how it feels when they compliment me!”
7. Amused, humorous, fun-loving, playful, silly
Example: “I am reading this book that makes me laugh out loud. Reading some of it every day is a way to get my daily dose of laughter and humor.”
8. Inspired, creative, uplifted
Example: “I feel really inspired in art class. I can stop by the art studio at free period and work on something creative or I can make time to draw and doodle at home.”
9. Amazed, awed, part of something larger than ourselves
Example: “Looking at the sky is my favorite thing. The clouds, stars, planets, moon … I feel I am a part of this whole incredible universe.”
10. Loving, loved, compassionate, caring, kind
Example: “I’ve started doing a loving kindness meditation. I’m going to practice it every morning when I wake up.”