Library to Host Program on Mindfulness and Positive Psychology

Residents are invited to attend "Mindfulness and Positive Psychology." A library program designed to teach individuals about reducing stress and increasing well-being, at Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S. Ravinia Ave., on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and anxiety while enhancing overall well-being. Positive psychology helps shift one’s focus to what is working in their life.

“Our patrons love our programs about mindfulness, and this program expands on that,” said Kelli Adams, the Adult Services Program Coordinator at OPPL.

Leilah Siegel, Extension Educator in Community Health, will lead the session. Siegel explained that positive psychology aims to help individuals create more meaningful and fulfilling lives by focusing on well-being rather than problems.

“Positive psychology is a form of psychology that focuses on how to help people create more meaningful and fulfilling lives,” said Siegel. “It utilizes scientific research to give people practical tools to feel better and help them to thrive. Unlike traditional psychology, which is problem-focused, positive psychology studies well-being, happiness, and satisfaction.”

Siegel, who holds a BS degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University, an MS in Human Nutrition from UIC, and a PhD in Pharmacological Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania, shared several research-backed strategies to incorporate positivity into daily life, including practicing gratitude, self-compassion, and kindness toward others.

“One that has been well-documented is a gratitude practice. This could look like keeping a gratitude journal, where people write down three things that they’re grateful for daily, or just reflecting on them before going to bed,” Siegel said. “Another practice is to practice self-compassion. There are different methods, but one is to create a kind affirmation for yourself about something that you often have negative self-talk around. Then when you catch yourself in that negative self-talk, try substituting the affirmation instead.”

Random acts of kindness and volunteering can also contribute to a positive mindset, Siegel noted, as these actions help shift the focus away from personal problems.

“All of these practices help people to be more aware of their thinking, and help to let them see that they have the power to change their thoughts in a more positive direction over time,” Siegel said.

The program is free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn various mindfulness and positive psychology techniques to enhance their life enjoyment and well-being.