Toxic Positivity sounds like an oxymoron, but it's a thing and messing with those of us just trying to be in our feelings.
INGREDIENTS 1 oz. Pineapple Rum 1 oz. Midori 1/2 oz. moonshine Splash of pineapple juice Top with tonic INSTRUCTIONS Shake the rum, midori, moonshine and pineapple juice in a shaker filled with ice.
Pour into a glass filled with ice and top off with tonic.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge, cherry and an umbrella.
“Toxic positivity is a societal assumption that, regardless of a person’s emotional pain or stressful life situation, they should always think happy thoughts,” Zuckerman says. “It’s an avoidant strategy we use to push away negative thoughts and feelings because we don’t want to feel bad, even if these thoughts and feelings are appropriate to the experience.”
Overcoming
1. Don’t overload yourself with brand new tasks that you think will make you feel more positive. If you never played chess before your recent tough breakup, don’t attempt to pick it up while you’re grieving that loss.
2. Stick with what you know until you feel better. For example, if you love cooking, try some different recipes. Doing things that are extensions of our existing behavioral repertoire requires less cognitive effort and protects us from setting — and ultimately not meeting — unrealistic expectations.
3. Feel your feelings, literally. What body part do you sense your sadness or anger in? Sit with that physical experience and don’t avoid it.
4. Be mindful of situations, people, and thoughts that foster toxic positivity. AKA Social Media
Listen to the complete episode on Patreon.
Episode Release: December 26, 2021
Platforms: Apple Podcasts; Audible; Spotify; Google Podcasts; iHeartRadio, Pandora, Stitcher
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