Researcher: "Happiness is less of an issue at the moment"
The spiral of crises that the world has been in for years seems to be never-ending. According to a neuroscientist, many people are therefore not interested in finding happiness, but in somehow getting through everything. And she has some advice on how to do this better.
Crises, wars, conflicts: according to happiness researcher Michaela Brohm-Badry, the question of happiness hardly plays a role in these times. "Happiness is less of an issue at the moment. It's more about: how do we get through these stressful times?" she said in Trier. Many people are unsettled by the multitude of crises. "And uncertainty leads to great fears, which can ultimately make people ill," said the neuroscientist.
"What we clearly have is a multiple crisis", which operates on many different levels. On the one hand, there is the individual level, where people are worried about their future due to rising prices and costs, for example. In addition, there is a perceived international threat due to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. There is also the global climate crisis. "This is already an exceptionally stressful time," said Brohm-Badry.
It is important not to give the crises too much space. "What's really important at the moment is confidence. To remain confident in the face of this," said the scientist, who is President of the German Society for Positive Psychological Research. However, this is only possible with a change of perspective: "You should look at what gives me security and peace of mind. What are positive ways to get out of stress?" If you only focus on the crises, you mentally reinforce "the negative drive".
What can help: Doing something good for others
Research has shown that people who are committed to helping others on a small scale get through crises better. For example, by volunteering or helping out in the neighborhood. "When we realize we can contribute something, it helps," she said. Because every connection and networking with other people makes us stronger.
"So the focus has shifted from individual happiness to resilience and contributing to the bigger picture. The word confidence is more appropriate today than the word happiness," said Brohm-Badry. "Strengthening confidence and mental resilience are the most effective ways of surviving the crisis to some extent."
In addition, "the increasing blurring of boundaries" in people's everyday lives is leading to more uncertainty and stress: between analog and digital, between work and private life. "We are constantly available for employers, but also for friends. The opportunities for retreat have diminished," said the Professor of Teaching and Learning Research at Trier University. This development has been accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic.
Many studies have said that "the very clear separation of work and life at home" is "one of the most beneficial things". Brohm-Badry: "We have to find these private retreats for ourselves again in order to have a sense of security."
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Despite the ongoing global crises, including wars in Ukraine and Gaza, international threats, and the climate crisis, it's crucial for individuals to maintain confidence and mental resilience. According to happiness researcher Michaela Brohm-Badry, people can achieve this by focusing on positive ways to cope with stress and by contributing to the community through acts of kindness, such as volunteering or helping out in the neighborhood. This shift from individual happiness to resilience can help individuals navigate these challenging times more effectively.
Source: www.ntv.de
