How do we move forward in difficult times? What mindset helps you bounce back from adversity?
When the world came to a halt in 2020 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, few industries felt the impact as hard as the performing arts. The venue was closed and the crowd dispersed. Musicians, actors, and production staff faced unprecedented challenges. Despite losing their livelihood overnight, they needed to get back on their feet.
Along with colleagues at Clemson University and North Carolina State University, I wanted to explore what can help people get through moments like these, so we partnered with MusiCares, a nonprofit organization that supports music industry professionals. We studied how artists remained resilient during the darkest moments of the pandemic. day to day. We were particularly interested in two spiritual approaches: mindfulness (being present and aware of the present moment) and hopefulness (believing in and striving for a better future) . In psychology, these concepts reflect both personality (some people are naturally more attentive or hopeful) and behaviors, such as meditating regularly to improve focus on the present. , used to describe a general state of being. Many researchers also define mindfulness as a metacognitive process, one in which people manage their attention, emotions, and actions to pay attention to the present moment in an open, curious, and nonjudgmental way. We think of it as something that allows us to consciously monitor and adjust. Hope, on the other hand, functions as a future-oriented state, helping people reflect on their ability to create paths around challenges.
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Mindfulness, a buzzword in the wellness world, may seem like the obvious key to weathering a storm like the pandemic. After all, staying grounded in the present moment seems like a good way to avoid falling into anxiety about an uncertain future. But our research reveals a different, somewhat surprising story. Mindfulness is a powerful tool for well-being, but it also has its limitations. Learning to cultivate a hopeful mindset is also an important strategy.
Our study followed 247 performers for 18 months, the majority of which was spent during lockdown. We asked them about their thoughts and health status at different stages of the pandemic. As part of this effort, we collected data through a survey we sent in 2021. People told us about their early experiences with the pandemic, their work-related tensions and their level of resilience. We also asked people about the extent to which they agreed with various statements about mindfulness and hope, especially related to the pandemic. A high score on the state of mindfulness suggests that a person is trying to maintain awareness of their experience in a non-judgmental way, while a high score on the state of hope suggests that the It suggests someone who is actively envisioning potential solutions to obstacles. This allowed us to assess people’s mental strategies and better understand how each approach helped people overcome the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19.
Unsurprisingly, we found that these artists have indeed been negatively impacted by the challenges of COVID-19. More interestingly, they found no evidence that mindfulness was particularly helpful for them as a coping strategy for the pandemic. It wasn’t harmful, but it didn’t really help artists get back on their feet or stay focused on their work during this prolonged period of stress.
Rather, hope was the true superstar. Those who maintained a hopeful outlook reported higher levels of work-related resilience and engagement, even though their industries remained stalled. They were also more likely to experience positive emotions, which improved their ability to cope with the ongoing crisis. Our sense of hope also contributed to our ability to stay productive by exploring new ways to offer our skills, such as virtual performances and online collaboration.
Several things may help explain this finding. First, mindfulness requires effort. Also, during periods of great or prolonged stress, people may lack the mental energy to effectively perform self-soothing techniques. Consistent with this, one study found that people struggle with mindfulness techniques when they lack quality sleep.
Another factor to consider is what researchers call the “mindfulness paradox.” Being present and aware can be very helpful in many situations, but it can actually be counterproductive if the adversity continues for an extended period of time. If your current reality is bleak and shows no signs of getting better soon, focusing too much on the “now” can leave you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. It’s hard to find the motivation to keep moving forward if you’re constantly aware of how bad things are and don’t believe things will get better.
This does not mean that mindfulness is meaningless. It just might not be the best tool for every situation. Researchers synthesized data from 23 other studies on workplace mindfulness and found that while the idea is generally effective for people with anxiety and distress, It turns out that there is no clear advantage.
On the other hand, when you’re facing a long-term, difficult situation, such as a job loss, a health crisis, or other major life challenges, working proactively to maintain hope can be a powerful coping strategy. . While people are encouraged to practice mindfulness, they can also benefit from cultivating hope. This doesn’t mean wallowing in blind optimism, but rather having the belief that things can improve, along with the motivation to work toward that improvement.
To put this into practice, try keeping a journal about what you most want to do in the future. To combine thought and action, connect with others, share your hopes, and strategize by setting small, achievable goals for a better future. All of these practices will help you focus on something beyond your current situation.
Our research found that hope works in part by increasing positive emotions, which in turn increases resilience. In short, harnessing the power of positive emotions by taking time to participate in fun activities, connect with loved ones, and practice gratitude can be part of your toolkit for difficult times. May be essential.
The point here is not that mindfulness is useless or that hope is a silver bullet. Different strategies work for different challenges. Especially in dark times when the present can feel unbearable and the future uncertain, cultivating hope can help us keep going. It provides a light at the end of the tunnel, even if you can’t see the perfect path ahead.
As we navigate uncertainty and face new challenges, we can take inspiration from the resilient artists we study. By cultivating hope, setting our sights on a better future, and taking small steps to get there, we can find the strength to persevere even in the most difficult times. And who knows? We may emerge on the other side stronger and more resilient than before.
Are you a scientist specializing in neuroscience, cognitive science, or psychology? And have you read any recent peer-reviewed papers you’d like to write about? Submit your proposal scientific americanDaisy Yuhas, editor of Mind Matters dyuhas@sciam.com.
This is an opinion and analysis article and the views expressed by the author are not necessarily those of the author. scientific american.
