University of the Ozarks Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Karen Jones' positive psychology class is hosting a week's worth of activities geared toward boosting positive feelings and well-being across campus.
Sophomore psychology major Clayton Rodgers, from Springdale, Ark, is spearheading the project, along with other members of the class.
"Earlier this semester, Dr. Jones mentioned in class that she would like to host a Positive Psychology Week on campus, and I immediately latched on the idea and said ‘Let’s do this,’" Rodgers said. "It’s been a crazy few weeks, but we’ve managed to pull it off. Beginning Monday, April 14, we’ll have events outside the cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day, and we’ll have a few events in the evenings as well."
Activities during the week will include an opportunity to write a letters of gratitude, a "stop and savor" activity to encourage people to slow down and enjoy things, an opportunity to shred negative thoughts, and several other mindfulness activities.
There will also be a photo booth available every day, complete with props.
"I think I’m most looking forward to the photo booth," Rodgers said. "We’ll have props and people can take funny photos; really have a good time with it. Then, they’ll be able to keep them forever as a connection to Positive Psychology Week."
Members of the class remarked on how the classroom activities have increased their awareness of their own attitudes toward every day stresses. They hope to bring that awareness to the rest of campus.
"Just being in the class has made me more aware of my actions during the day. It makes my outlook more upbeat. I’m pretty positive in general, but I recognize more of the deliberate actions that I take to be positive every day," said Frances Adams, a freshman environmental studies major from Plano, Texas.
Lakin Goss, a senior psychology major from Scranton, Ark., agreed, saying, "As I’m going through classes, and school work, and daily stresses, I’m more aware of what I can use to boost my positivity and encourage myself to do better."
Brooke Conner, a junior early childhood education major from Harrison, Ark, enjoyed learning about her strengths and how they can help her reach her goals.
"The theory is that focusing on your strengths is a good way to increase your sense of well-being," Conner explained. "It was really interesting for me to take some of the quizzes in class to learn what my particular strengths were and how to focus on those every day."
A full schedule of the week’s events is below. For more information regarding Positive Psychology Week, contact Clayton Rodgers at crodg718@ozarks.edu
Daily Activities Outside Cafeteria from 11 a.m. -1 p.m.
Photo Booth
Pay it Forward Tickets
Board of Positive Thoughts
Monday, April 14
Write a Letter of Gratitude, Outside Cafeteria 11a.m. -1p.m.
Ted Talk about Positive Psychology, Followed by discussion, S/B room 129 @ 7:30 p.m. *Convo
Tuesday, April 15
Goals & Strengths Activity: Write on notecard and pin on board a goal you have and what you need to do to achieve it. Outside Cafeteria 11am -1pm
Screening of "Happy," Followed by discussion, S/B room 129 @ 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16
Savoring Activity, Outside Cafeteria 11a.m. -1p.m.
Mindfulness Activity-Savoring, S/B room 128 @ 6:00pm
Thursday, April 17
Shred Negative Thoughts, Outside Cafeteria 11a.m. -1p.m.
Topics: Psychology