If You Have Found Mindfulness, Consider Yourself Lucky
June 16, 2017 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec · Leave a Comment
Sometimes what is most obvious can be most impactful. This post is quite simple – nothing profound or earth shattering. Rather quite simple: “You are so lucky to have found mindfulness.” During a recent retreat with the monks and nuns of celebrated meditation teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, that observation was made.... Read More
Politics has us all stressed out; regardless of party affiliation
May 15, 2017 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec · Leave a Comment
Your strengths can work FOR you to manage stress. People on both sides of the political divide are feeling stressed about the future of our country according to new survey research from the American Psychological Association. The survey reviewed the most common stress management tools that Americans are currently using. I highlight these tools... Read More
Practicing Your Religion Has Multiple Benefits
April 13, 2017 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
Having a religion isn’t enough – you must practice that religion (new research shows). For those that practice their religion, some of the benefits are more love, forgiveness, gratitude and kindness. Particularly when compared to those who don’t practice. The following three groups of people across three countries... Read More
Effective Ways to be Mindful: 5 more “mindful pause” activities
March 1, 2017 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
Have you heard of the mindful pause? It is a mindfulness strategy I introduced last year that focuses on taking action right away, tapping into your natural strengths. There are two simple steps: 1.) Pause for about 15 seconds to feel your inhale and exhale. 2.) Ask yourself: Which... Read More
The Mystery of Love
February 22, 2017 by VIA Contributor ·
“There is great mystery to love, how it shows up. If you are not paying close attention, you could miss it,” explained Neal Mayerson, founder of the VIA Institute, during my interview with him. Neal knows that firsthand. He almost missed his shooting star moment. He shares his personal... Read More
Like An Old Friend, Phasic Strengths Are There When You Need Them
February 16, 2017 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
When you’re down and troubled And you need a helping hand And nothing, nothing is going right Close your eyes and think of me And soon I will be there To brighten up even your darkest night These famous lyrics from the song “You’ve Got a Friend”, written by... Read More
Research Proven Ways to Manage Your Stress
February 8, 2017 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
You have more stress-management tools than you may think. As I discussed in a previous post (see here), we need to learn to “get good at stress” and there are a lot of ways that we can manage high anxiety situations and events. In this post I’ll review 10... Read More
The Emotional Fuel that Drives Corporate Profitability
February 1, 2017 by VIA Contributor ·
What’s the ‘secret sauce’ that builds employee engagement and has the organization thriving? Hope! Even in the midst of belt-tightening, heightened competition, organizational changes, process and employee redundancies, and declining real pay and benefits, Hope is the emotional engine which generates profitability for organizations! Hope is crucial for effective... Read More
Your Engagement At Work Depends on Your Positive Personality Traits
January 25, 2017 by VIA Institute on Character ·
Our Education Director, Dr. Ryan Niemiec, was recently interviewed about the importance of character strengths and how they can help millennials become more engaged in their work. See full interview below. 1) Dr. Niemiec, can you tell us about yourself and how you became interested in strengths and positive psychology? Positive... Read More
3 Simple Steps to Reduce Stress in the “New Year”
January 17, 2017 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
“New Year, New You.” Is this your motto? For some people, the new year is a chance to reset and hit the ground running on new resolutions, goals and challenges. It can be an opportunity to look back over the previous year and make decisions that will carry you... Read More