Staying positive through the pandemic

By Neil Narayanan '21

In the midst of this pandemic, it is still possible to find positive experiences despite being locked inside. In January, I began an online MSON class. The class was reading and discussion-based. The topic? The emerging revolution of positive psychology. Throughout history, the study of mind and behavior has focused on what is wrong with the human being. Studies on mental illness, anger, fear, and weakness have been very thoroughly researched, leaving little room to study the favorable parts of life. Positive psychology works in order to understand pleasant emotions and to identify positive individual traits or strengths that allow individuals and communities to thrive.

When the course concluded, collectively, the eight of us decided to create a website. The purpose of the website was to not only apply all the information we had learned in a final project but also to create a resource for people to stay more positive as they socially distance. We hope that our website, the Positivity Press, is a beneficial tool for people to keep spirits high during the quarantine.

One common misconception is that positive psychology resources like our website are only for people that are struggling with positivity. However, this website is intended for everyone, those who are struggling, those who are simply coping, and even those who are thriving. We want everyone to flourish, whether they see themselves already living a good life or not. We hope that everyone can use this website to find more positive experiences and stay healthy.

On the website, there are pages that examine different aspects of life. This includes mental health, social connection, skills without screens, and positive news. These four pages were created based on many different scientists’ proposed theories about flourishing that we studied throughout the year. There is a multitude of suggestions on some ideas that we felt were important such as, how to stay connected with friends, positive news, and new things to try. We learned a lot from the course and were inspired to create this website. I encourage you all to visit the website and try it out.

Editor's Note: Through the Malone Online Schools Network, USN is able to offer its students a variety of academically challenging courses beyond the traditional classes at 2000 Edgehill Ave. Through video conferencing technology, students gather for real-time class with peers and faculty across the United States. About 25 USN students enroll in MSON classes annually, and two USN faculty teach MSON classes to students across the nation.