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Don't underestimate the power of positive thinking. Even smiling more has been shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure during stressful situations, according to a University of Kansas study. Thankfully, smiling is contagious too. “This is because we have mirror neurons that fire when we see action,” says Dr. Eva Ritvo, a psychiatrist and co-author of "The Beauty Prescription: The Complete Formula for Looking and Feeling Beautiful". As the name implies, mirror neurons cause us to reflect behavior we observe in others and have been linked to our capacity for empathy. Passing along a smile is so easy and will likely create a domino effect, we might as well be generous with them!
When you can't give someone an in-person smile, forwarding a funny video or a post from "Wholesome Meet The Internet" is the next best thing. Explored in the i-D article "How Self-Isolation Made the Internet Wholesome Again", many have found creative ways to use the internet for positivity. Aside from the joy of sharing memes and funny videos, the article mentions crowd-funding for hospitals and food banks as well as donating to Mutual Aid groups. Even finding new creative outlets and sharing talents and skills we've acquired during the pandemic helps spread a little positivity with our online communities.
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While there is certainly no shortage of negativity online these days, there are plenty of joyful stories out there too. Thanks to pages like "Wholesome Meet The Internet", we can all combat doomscrolling and receive our recommended daily allowance of good vibes and smiles. Remember, a wholesome story a day keeps the doctor away... Or something like that.
Be sure to upvote your favorite examples in this list, and please feel free to share your own uplifting anecdotes with us in the comments!
