By Aromatherapy Associates, @aromatherapyaassociates

This past year has been tough and unpredictable for many. With only 46% of people currently feeling optimistic (YouGov), there is an increase in searches for how to create optimistic outlooks and new motivations in these times of uncertainty. As we head into summer, it is the perfect opportunity to look towards a fresh start and new outlook towards optimism.

Trained by Dr. Brené Brown herself, leading life coach Jonathan Ward brings years of extensive knowledge in helping us harness our inner confidence and courage.

We speak with Jonathan as he shares his life changing tips to build optimism and grow in confidence and courage, for our most empowered selves.

You can choose to be optimistic – the introductory quote by the Dalai Lama brings with it a real sense of hope.

We hear it said all the time, but what exactly does optimism mean?

It is expecting the best possible outcome from any given situation. It is a sense of hope and belief that an outcome will be favorable. In any given moment, we can choose where to place our attention and consciously determine our own experience of life. This is vital information in the understanding of optimism. Our brains have a negativity bias, they are like Velcro for the negative and Teflon for the positive. For those of us who are not naturally disposed to being optimistic, knowing that we can choose the way we think is great news in the shift towards a more optimistic outlook.

How do we begin to feel better? Studies now show that there are huge benefits of having a more optimistic outlook:

More Happiness: Optimistic people are happier because they imagine positive events more vividly and expect them to occur sooner

Better Relationships: Optimists have a more positive mood and morale, more vitality, a sense of mastery, and high self-regard. Optimists are more likely to have a wider social support

Better Health: Optimists take action and have healthier lifestyles because they believe that their actions matter. Optimists are generally better at fighting off infection because of a healthier immune system

Better Coping: Optimists cope better with stress and take more direct action in the face of adversity

Over time, I have found these following steps to be the most effective in cultivating my own optimism.

8 Steps to Cultivate Optimism:

1. Self-appreciation – focusing on and appreciating your strengths and good qualities.

2. Gratitude - focus on 10 small things that you would normally not notice (buttons, pencils, matches).

3. Self-compassion - learning to be kinder to yourself instills an attitude of inner strength and resilience. It gives you the ability to bounce back from adversity and be more courageous.

4. Moving your “explanatory style” (what differentiates pessimists from optimists) from pessimistic to optimistic - a pessimist might explain what happens to them in way that is permanent, pervasive and personal: “My car always breaks down”. Whereas an optimist might explain this in a way that is external, specific and temporary: “Cars break down. It was probably the engine. I can get this fixed.”

5. Journaling from your Inner Champion - this is the part of that believes in you, champions you and stands with you and cheers you on (it is the opposite of your inner saboteur which pulls you down at every opportunity!)

6. Cultivating Hope - hope is a practice made up of 3 steps: goals ~ knowing where you are heading; pathways ~ knowing how to get there; and agency ~ the belief in yourself that you can do it.

7. Generosity - the belief that everyone, including ourselves, is doing the best they can.

8. Grit - this is the commitment and perseverance to keep on going, to keep doing the above. Maintaining a consistent daily practice is one of the keys to living well.

Choose optimism and you choose a life well-lived – a life of contentment, joy, courage, and an inner strength to cope with whatever life brings.

Compliment your newfound optimism with our newest, most uplifting aromatherapy blend created exclusively for Aera by Aromatherapy Associates London.

Expertly blended to promote positivity and uplift the senses, our new Optimism aromatherapy blend leaves you feeling comforted, lighter and brighter. This blend helps to support emotional wellbeing & provides a pick-me-up when you need it the most. Fresh & zingy Bergamot uplifts, warm Damask Rose comforts & promotes positivity whilst Basil provides clarity & inner strength for your mind & body.  ​ 

Shop Optimism

Pioneers of aromatherapy, Aromatherapy Associates London, were some of the first to study the benefits of pure essential oils. Their 30 years of experience creating exacting blends have made them the go-to for those serious about health and well-being. Found in homes and luxury spas around the world, they are now the exclusive aromatherapy brand for Aera.