PERMA: The 5 Pillars of Mental Health

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 PERMA is a model of wellbeing developed by Professor Martin Seligman, one of the founders of the field of Positive Psychology. 

It's a helpful starting place. PERMA gives us some areas to focus on that will help us to flourish in life. 



P-  Positive Emotion

  • WHAT: Intentionally choosing positivity in our everyday life 
  • HOW: Keep a gratitude journal or reflect on gratitude over the dinner table. 

E- Engagement

  • WHAT: Being truly present in each moment of your life
  • HOW: Figure out what you enjoy doing. How often do you get so engrossed in what you're doing that you lose track of time?  What lights you up? Then, do more of it!

R- Relationships

  • WHAT: Positive and beneficial connections with other humans
  • HOW: Practice (and get really good at!) active listening. Put aside distractions when spending time with others and focus on being present.

M- Meaning

  • WHAT: Having a strong purpose in life 
  • HOW: Think about makes you get up in the morning.

A- Accomplishment 

  • WHAT: Making progress toward a goal
  • HOW: Keep track of accomplishment, even little things! Set small, realistic goals that you can achieve in addition to your bigger, long-term goals.
In which of these areas are you already doing well? Which one area would you like to focus on in the future?

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