Positive Psychology Ireland

18/10/2025

Choose what genuinely restores , not just very temporary escapes - though sometimes they are great too .

Have you ever noticed how some things that feel like “self-care” don’t actually leave you feeling restored? 💭 From binge-watching to bubble baths, not everything that relaxes us truly helps us recover. 🌿

According to researchers, real self-care…
• supports both mind and body 💆‍♀️
• helps you recharge, not just escape 🌞
• strengthens connection and resilience 🌸

Discover what genuine self-care really looks like in the full article — link in bio 🔍

18/10/2025

« The Planning Fallacy » a tendency to underestimate the time tasks will take to complete was first identified by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Twerky in the late seventies. It’s associated with an optimistic mind set, expecting everything to go smoothly . Personally, I’ve spent many years battling this particular fallacy, ( eg by multiplying by two my first estimate ) but I’m still not completely out of the woods on this one !

We all have those friends who are shockingly, chronically late to everything—and those who are always early. The question is why are we this way and how can we learn to co-exist? There are many reasons that contribute to how we manage time, and they of course depend on a variety of individualized factors, but one theory floating around is actually how full or empty we see the proverbial cup.

From an article posted on University of Southern California's School of Psychology site, it all comes down to our bias toward optimism or pessimism. For the late arrivers, it's called the planning fallacy. "Psychologist Daniel Kahneman and colleague Amos Tversky introduced the concept in 1979, defining it as 'the tendency to underestimate the amount of time needed to complete a future task, due in part to the reliance on overly optimistic performance scenarios.'"

In other words, they might feel it will all "flow" as it's supposed to, so there's no need to plan ahead. "Psychologists call this mindset 'optimism bias.' While being optimistic has its benefits, such as an improved state of well-being, getting caught in the constant cycle of optimism bias can cause issues at work that impact productivity."

In a piece for The Decision Lab, author Kira Warje,further explains, "Whether it's building a house, launching a product, or studying for an exam, people tend to create overly optimistic timelines and budgets. This happens because we focus too much on the best-case scenario and ignore relevant historical data or potential setbacks."

She also explains the notion that an outsider would estimate time differently, writing, "Interestingly, the planning fallacy only affects estimations about one’s own task completion times. Outside observers tend to lean in the opposite direction, overestimating the time needed to complete a task."

As for the early-arrivers, we perhaps overestimate the amount of time something will take. Often this is driven by anxiety in general, but to couch it in similar terms, this would be a pessimism bias.

Culinary writer and chef Maya Floresshares eight traits that people who often arrive early share. One is: "They have a physical discomfort with rushing." Below, read more about the people who are late, early, and (for a little inspiration) right on time.

18/10/2025

In Finland, they have discovered a novel way to help children overcome fear of making mistakes when reading aloud- the kennel club provides specially trained calm dogs, who just do what dogs always do- listen without judgment.

In Finland, children sometimes read aloud not just to people, but to animals. In many libraries across the country, “reading dogs” sit quietly while young readers voice stories. These calm, attentive canine listeners help kids relax, reduce anxiety, and build confidence in reading. In a classroom in Kaarina, a Bernese Mountain Dog named Hilma listens patiently as students read aloud—without judgment or interruption. The idea is simple: when there’s no fear of being corrected or judged, children can focus on fluency and enjoyment.

The Finnish Kennel Club oversees the reading dog program, partnering with libraries and municipalities. Dogs must pass training and temperament requirements to become part of the initiative. Today, many towns host regular library sessions where a child, a dog, and the dog-handler sit together in a quiet corner. These sessions are intimate, undistracted, and designed for the child to feel in control. It’s a moment where reading becomes less about performance, and more about connection, confidence, and exploration.

Some educators even extend this concept to rural schools and farms: children have been known to read inside barns or near calm cows, with the animals as silent companions. While it may not be part of the official kennel club program, the idea has captured imaginations in small communities. In those settings, the presence of an animal even a cow, can be soothing. A listening audience that doesn’t interrupt or judge can change the experience entirely.

Why does this work? Animals can create a low-pressure environment. They help distract from performance anxiety, letting kids concentrate on pacing and comprehension instead of worrying about mistakes. Teachers say that children who struggle in traditional classroom settings often remain calmer in a two-person (child + animal) reading session. Over time, reading aloud becomes less intimidating and more joyful.

This practice in Finland is more than a novelty, it’s a lesson in empathy, in patience, and in designing educational spaces that honor emotional wellbeing. It shows how innovation can include quiet acts of care, bending simple routines toward deeper impact.

13/10/2025

A recent study from the University of Leeds shows that dads who spend quality time reading, playing, and engaging with their children can significantly boost their academic performance.

The research analyzed nearly 5,000 households in England and found that children whose fathers were actively involved at ages three and five performed better in school by ages five and seven.

This effect was seen regardless of the child’s gender, ethnicity, or family income, highlighting the universal importance of fatherly involvement.

Interestingly, while mothers’ involvement mainly improved children’s emotional and social skills, fathers’ engagement had a direct impact on learning and educational achievement.

Even spending just 10 minutes a day on activities like reading stories, drawing, or playing games can make a noticeable difference in a child’s learning journey.

This study emphasizes the power of dads and encourages families to share childcare responsibilities. Every small moment of attention and love from a father can help children reach their full potential in school and beyond.

13/10/2025

Some wise words from Goldie and Frenchie

12/10/2025

Optimistic October - Day 12: Look out for positive news and reasons to be cheerful today https://actionforhappiness.org/optimistic-october

10/10/2025

A heartwarming moment in Michigan has touched millions after a 5-year-old boy invited his entire kindergarten class to witness his adoption. The children showed up with paper hearts to support their classmate, turning the courtroom into a scene of pure love and happiness. The story highlights the beauty of kindness, friendship, and the joy of finding a forever family.

10/10/2025

I’m a lover of yoga, and still run a small class where we often question whether we’re in it for the pleasure of meeting up weekly or the benefits of moving our bodies joyfully. Glad to see this inspiring lady has the same « problem ». It could give us a new perspective on that Beatles’ song to be called « When I’m 102 «

At 102, French yoga teacher Charlotte Chopin proves that modest, consistent habits can trump flashy workouts.

Her four-decade-steady routine of simple postures, taught in a humble village studio, highlights joy in movement over optimization.

Beyond yoga, Chopin’s secret lies in strong social bonds, purposeful gatherings, and a grateful mindset—pillars that research links to longevity.

Journalist Danielle Friedman’s visit reveals why showing up matters more than perfection.

Her story challenges how we view aging and fitness.

Discover how small daily rituals can reshape fitness and aging.

10/10/2025

An interesting TED talk in the differences in socialization between girls and boys, and the effects on our behaviour and « comfort zones » as adults .

We're raising our girls to be perfect, and we're raising our boys to be brave, says Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code. Saujani has taken up the charge to socialize young girls to take risks and learn to program -- two skills they need to move society forward. To truly innovate, we cannot...

10/10/2025

Even if your doctor hasn’t prescribed it, on rhis October 10th, World Mental Health Day, you could self- prescribe some walking in nature or exploring an area of natural beauty as part of your weekend . Do it with a partner, friend, colleague, family member or a new group of people, and you will also increase that other well researched essential for health, wellbeing and longevity- social connection .

Turns out, “doctor’s orders” can look like a walk in the woods.

Our well-being is deeply connected to the world around us. According to the World Health Organization, time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, sharpen cognitive function, and even lower the risk of chronic disease. Whether it’s a walk in the park, sitting by the water, or simply breathing fresh air, nature offers powerful benefits for our minds and bodies.

Now, Sweden is taking this truth to heart with “The Swedish Prescription,” a new campaign backed by medical experts that literally lets doctors prescribe Sweden itself. Patients are encouraged to explore the country’s cultural and nature-based experiences, like forest walks, sauna therapy, and time outdoors, as a pathway to better health.

Rest, joy, and connection with nature aren’t luxuries, they’re essential. This is your sign to take that PTO and go touch some grass.

09/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day. Let this be a reminder: your mind needs care too. 🫂

07/10/2025

A fundamental listening mode being spread through gaming - Gen z ers with social anxiety embracing the Solid Snake approach !

The "Solid Snake conversation method" is taking the world by storm. It's part trend, part meme, and 100% effective.

You don't need to know anything about video games to understand where the method comes from. Suffice it to say, Metal Gear Solid is a plot-heavy game series developed in Japan, full of cut-scenes that feature lots of dialogue and exposition.

It's become a bit of a joke in the gaming world that Snake, a man of few words, tends to fall back on one particular conversational technique over and over: He repeats, or echoes, bits of what the other characters say. It adds emphasis to important points, creates good conversational pacing, and allows the plot and dialogue to continue on smoothly.

Here's a (made up) example:

"Snake, we've got to get the blueprints!"

"The blueprints?"

"Yes, the bad guys are constructing a devastating bomb!"

"A bomb?"

"Indeed! You'll find the prototype in that bunker over there."

"A bunker?"

You get the idea. Frequent repetition and conversational echoes are extremely commonplace in Japanese. It's part of a polite active listening technique called "Aizuchi," which refers to frequent interjections to show interest, engagement, reassurance, and politeness.

Aizuchi includes interjecting with words or phrases (or their equivalents) like "I get it," "Yeah," "Really?" or even repeating back parts of the original speaker's words, a la Solid Snake. People everywhere are finding it effective, especially Gen Z.