Let’s examine what is going on in the world today, specifically with the political climate, but this time, with a bit of hope.
How do you remain hopeful when seeing the government shut down and the terrifying state of immigration laws and genocides in the world right now?
According to a Scientific American article, there have been studies conducted that show people are selfless by impulse, which is a promising sign.
David Livermore, president of the Cultural Intelligence Center in East Lansing, Mich., wrote in his blog about human nature, “Better yet, our brains are wired toward kindness. Acts of kindness activate the brain’s reward centers, including the ventral striatum, which is associated with pleasure and motivation. Researchers from Emory University found that engaging in generosity produces neural responses similar to receiving a reward, a phenomenon known as the ‘helper’s high.’”
This is an important reminder that during rough times around the world, it is essential to remember that the human brain is wired towards kindness. It brings me some peace of mind to know that there is good out there in the world.
There is kindness all around you, and to enhance your quality of life you need to stop yourself often and appreciate the little things. Appreciate the kindness of the stranger on the street who smiled at you, appreciate the ladybug that landed on your hand as a sign of good luck and appreciate the kindness of those who love and accept you.
I recognize how difficult the state of the world is right now, but if you really look hard enough, there is hope for a better present and future.
An article from Stanford University’s Student Affairs office says that “Similar to our gratitude activity, exercise is also proven to improve our moods and provide us with endorphins. While exercise can be intimidating, not all physical activity can or will feel that way! The best form of exercise is the one that makes you feel good both inside and out.”
I believe that getting exercise has endless benefits for every individual, and exercise can look different for everyone. I feel that while intense weight training is amazing and inspiring, for those who may be uninterested in a task like that, something as simple as going for a walk is just as beneficial for their mental health and can help them stay hopeful through unfortunate world events.
All in all, the best perspective I can offer is to stay hopeful and to allow yourself to feel. You are allowed to feel upset with the events going on locally and nationwide that upset you, even if they may be out of your control. But in order to improve your mental health, you need to allow yourself to find healthy ways to cope to remain hopeful.
I think that when people have hope, it can improve the state of the world, eliminate negativity and pessimistic ideals and inspire people to work together towards a better and brighter future.
Ali Barretta can be contacted at
abarretta@kscequinox.com
