14 Positive Psychology Exercises, Interventions + Worksheets For Groups

Introduction to Positive Psychology Exercises

Positive psychology focuses on human strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. This field aims to help people lead meaningful and fulfilling lives by cultivating positive emotions, enhancing relationships, finding purpose, and achieving important goals.

Benefits of Positive Psychology Exercises

Incorporating positive psychology into one’s life or community can provide many benefits, including:

Increased happiness and life satisfaction
Improved mental and physical wellbeing
Stronger relationships and social connections
A sense of meaning and purpose
Personal growth and self-improvement

14 Positive Psychology Exercises and Interventions

Here are 14 positive psychology exercises that can be practiced individually or in groups:

Gratitude journal – Write down things you are grateful for each day
Identifying strengths – Take assessments to learn your top character strengths
Using strengths in new ways – Apply your strengths creatively
Three good things – Write about positive events from your day
Letter of gratitude – Write a heartfelt thank you letter to someone
Random acts of kindness – Do kind deeds for others
Positive introduction – Introduce yourself highlighting strengths
Best possible self – Imagine and journal your best future self
Mindfulness meditation – Practice being present in each moment
Savoring walk – Go for mindful, appreciative walks outdoors
Spotting strengths in others – Recognize character strengths you see around you
Active-constructive responding – React supportively when others share good news
Identifying life purpose – Explore your passions and design a purposeful life
Loving-kindness meditation – Send positive wishes to yourself and others

Positive Psychology Worksheets and Handouts

In addition to exercises and interventions, there are many positive psychology worksheets and handouts that can promote wellbeing. These include:

Gratitude journals
Strengths assessments and profiles
Growth mindset worksheets
Goal-setting guides
Mindfulness coloring pages
Self-compassion workbooks
Character strengths checklist
Random acts of kindness ideas list

Tips for Facilitating Positive Psychology Groups

When leading positive psychology groups, here are some helpful tips:

Create a safe, judgement-free environment
Explain the purpose and benefits of each exercise
Allow group sharing and discussion
Respect different perspectives and experiences
Offer personalized support and guidance
Provide useful takeaways and resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of positive psychology interventions?

Examples include practicing gratitude, identifying personal strengths, writing about positive experiences, doing acts of kindness, mindfulness meditation, setting meaningful goals, and working toward self-improvement.

How do you apply positive psychology?

Individuals can apply positive psychology by incorporating exercises, assessments, journaling prompts, and other resources into their daily lives. Organizations and communities can take a strengths-based approach to programs and policies to support wellbeing.

What are the 5 pillars of positive psychology?

The five pillars are positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and purpose, and accomplishment (PERMA). Together they encompass essential elements for human flourishing.

What are positive psychology techniques?

Techniques in positive psychology include expressing gratitude, cultivating optimism, practicing mindfulness, setting goals, using strengths, fostering social connections, finding purpose and meaning, focusing on what went well, and small acts of kindness.

What are some positive psychology worksheets?

Helpful positive psychology worksheets include gratitude journals, best possible self descriptions, identifying character strengths, Acts of Kindness tracking, mindfulness coloring sheets, goal-setting guides, and self-compassion exercises.