Give ‘lemonading’ a shot if you’re going through a tough time right now

You have two major options when you struggle with something: you are worth or try to look on the right side. It turns out that the choice of the second option, or “lemonade” can make you more resilient and happier overall – so that you can always enjoy your life when things are difficult.

This is the main point to remember from the research published in Borders in psychology. For the study, the researchers analyzed data of more than 500 adults at the height of the COVVI-19 pandemic and divided them into two groups according to the personality traits. One group had higher game levels based on something called the adult playing ladder, and the other had lower game levels.

The researchers found that if the two groups had a realistic vision of what was going on during the pandemic, the more fun group – nicknamed the lemon group – was more optimistic about the future and better in problem solving. They even managed to enjoy more daily activities, despite all the chaos that happens around them. Basically, when life gave them lemons, they made lemonade.

Although some people are naturally more fun than others, mental health experts say that it is possible to hack your brain to add more silts to your life so that you can make the most of obstacles. Here is what researchers want you to know about the lemonade, as well as how to really use it to improve your state of mind and your mental health.

The lemonade is slightly different from seeing the glass half full

Basically, the lemonade is to have a good attitude. But the lemonade is a little more complicated than trying to be positive, explains Xiangyou Shen, PHD, main study author and assistant teacher at the College of Forestry of Oregon State University. The lemonade is to have a “clear optimism” on the challenges you face while trying to be positive on the next step. “Consider it like transforming lemons into a lemonade while remaining fully aware that you work with lemons, not oranges,” said Dr. Shen.

However, she points out that lemon trees are not deceived. “”[In the study]They recognized the risks and challenges just as realistic as the others, ”explains Dr. Shen. People who practice lemonade also feel vulnerable and isolated sometimes. However, Dr. Shen says that what distinguishes lemon trees in the study is that they could be “realistic” about what was going on around them while thinking about positive things in the future. Basically, they did not join toxic positivity, but still managed to be optimistic. Lemon trees were also good for refining their behavior and trying to be creative in the way they sailed. In the end, they felt more joy and satisfaction with their lives than people who did not have this approach.

Here’s how to work more lemonade in your life.

Some people are naturally better in silts than others, but that does not mean that you cannot use this strategy if you are not already light. This largely comes down to trying to look at the pros in a situation, which can ultimately free you to be more positive.

1. Recognize your feelings, then try to crop them

“Things will inevitably happen in the life that upset you, and it is important to recognize your feelings instead of brushing them,” explains Thea Gallagher, Psyd, clinical associate professor at Nyu Langone Health and Cohost of the mind in view Podcast. But instead of assuming that things will continue to be bad, she suggests giving you other options mentally.