The pressure to feel upbeat can make you feel downbeat embracing your darker moods is better in the long run psychology researchers found

The Pressure to Feel Upbeat: Should We Embrace Our Darker Moods?

Have you ever felt that immense pressure to be constantly upbeat and positive? Society often encourages us to plaster a smile on our faces, even when we might be feeling down. But what if that pressure itself was the cause of our negative emotions? According to psychology researchers, embracing our darker moods can actually be better for us in the long run.

Research conducted by the University of California, Berkeley found that constantly striving for happiness could ironically lead to increased feelings of unhappiness and anxiety. The study, led by Iris Mauss, a psychologist at Berkeley, suggests that accepting and acknowledging our negative emotions paves the way for greater psychological well-being.

The findings challenge the prevailing notion that happiness is the ultimate goal. While it is natural to seek happiness and avoid pain, suppressing negative emotions can have detrimental effects on our mental health. This phenomenon, known as the “negative paradox of emotional acceptance,” highlights the importance of allowing ourselves to experience and process our emotions, even the darker ones.

So, why do we feel the need to constantly maintain a positive facade? One reason could be societal pressure. In today’s fast-paced and achievement-oriented world, there is an expectation to be cheerful and optimistic at all times. Social media platforms, where people often showcase their best versions of themselves, also contribute to this pressure. We compare our own lives to others, often feeling inadequate and flawed when our emotions don’t align with the perpetual happiness we see online.

However, research suggests that acknowledging and embracing our darker moods can lead to personal growth and emotional resilience. By allowing ourselves to feel a range of emotions, we develop a deeper understanding of our own thoughts and feelings. This self-awareness can help us navigate life’s challenges more effectively and foster stronger connections with others.

Moreover, accepting negative emotions doesn’t mean dwelling or wallowing in them indefinitely. It means acknowledging their presence and giving ourselves permission to experience them, rather than suppressing or denying them. This process allows for a more authentic and balanced emotional experience.

Psychologist Iris Mauss emphasizes the importance of embracing our emotions, stating, “People who accept these emotions without judging or trying to change them are able to cope with their stress more successfully.” By accepting our darker moods, we can reduce the cognitive load associated with constantly pretending to be happy, allowing our minds to focus on more productive and meaningful endeavors.

In conclusion, the pressure to maintain a constant state of positivity can often have a detrimental impact on our well-being. Embracing our darker moods and accepting our negative emotions, rather than suppressing or denying them, can lead to greater psychological health and emotional resilience. By allowing ourselves to experience the full spectrum of human emotions, we can achieve a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Source: University of California, Berkeley