Psychotherapist at the OÖN Women's Day: These are the 5 pillars of well-being

How much control does a person have to increase their well-being and happiness in life? This question is at the center of the lecture that the renowned psychotherapist Silvia Dirnberger-Puchner will give on March 8th at 1 p.m. with free admission in the Promenade Galleries in Linz.

The woman from Enns will introduce the listeners of the OÖN Women’s Day to the basics of positive psychology. “It is the science of successful living.” It was founded by the American psychologist Martin Seligmann, who summarized in the so-called PERMA model those factors “that are empirically proven to contribute to subjective well-being.”

P for positive emotions: “They are a major factor in happiness.” Positive emotions are felt by those who, despite negative headlines, also see the good side of life and recognize and appreciate the many small miracles in everyday life. “The sun that shines on my face. The smile that someone gives me. Happiness is focusing on the beautiful that is omnipresent,” says Dirnberger-Puchner. At the same time, it is important to overcome the so-called “negativity distortion”. This psychological term describes how the human brain is trained to perceive negative things much more than positive ones. “This was important for our prehistoric ancestors’ survival because it meant that dangers could be recognized in good time.” But now it is time to overcome this distortion and consciously focus on positive developments. For example, the fact that the proportion of people living in extreme poverty has fallen by two thirds worldwide over the past 20 years.
E for commitment (obligations): This is about the daily compulsory exercises. The challenge lies in recognizing your personal strengths and choosing a career in which these can be exploited. “When we do what suits our strengths, we get into a flow. We forget about time, get absorbed in it and feel a feeling of satisfaction and enrichment, even if the activity is strenuous.” In order to recognize your strengths, feedback from outside, for example from friends or superiors, is important. If employees are deployed correctly, “it increases joy and fun at work. Then there is no longer constant talk about more free time and work-life balance.”
R for Relationship: The importance of good social connections when it comes to health and well-being has been widely researched. But interactions with each other have suffered. “The tone has become harsher, insults are the order of the day. Appreciation has really plummeted,” says Dirnberger-Puchner. Every individual can consciously take countermeasures here. “It’s about listening, genuine interest in each other and compassion.” Major crises can only be overcome together. When talking to each other, the good and positive should be given more space – as a conscious contrast to the negative and derogatory.
M wie Meaning (We): When people do something that creates meaning, their lives become more fulfilling. Why are we doing this? Why is everyone an important part of a big job? Giving employees good support here, “i.e. leading them in a meaningful way, will be a competitive factor in the near future.”
A for Accomplishment: People should set personal and professional goals and work consistently to achieve them. If this succeeds, what has been achieved should be made visible and consciously celebrated. Just looking at the negative doesn’t make people happy.

The program for the OÖN Women’s Day on March 8th

12.30 p.m: greeting by editor-in-chief Susanne Dickstein and women’s regional councilor, LH deputy. Christine Haberlander

1 p.m.: “Paths to Happiness – the five pillars of well-being”
Lecture by psychotherapist and executive coach Silvia Dirnberger-Puchner

2 p.m.: “The brand is me”
Panel discussion with moderator Silvia Schneider, model Victoria Karner, food blogger Anita Moser and OÖN columnist Christine Haiden

3 p.m.: “Out of the comfort zone – into spring”
Fashionable into spring with practical tips from style expert Martina Rieder-Thurn

3:30 p.m.: “Women lead differently”
Panel discussion with Susanne Riess-Hahn (General Director Wüstenrot), Kathrin Kühtreiber-Leitner (Board Director OÖ Versicherung) and Beatrix Praeceptor (GF Greiner Packaging)

4.30 p.m.: “Long live love – women, change and desire”
Panel discussion with gynecologist Miriam Mottl, Pharmacist Chamber Vice President Monika Aichberger and gender medicine expert Anna M. Dieplinger

5:30 p.m.: Wonderful songs
sung by Jessie Ann

1 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Styling campaign
with make-up artist Andrea Lehner lets women shine naturally using simple tricks.

The seminar farmers show visitors how to make their own butter and reveal spring-like herbal recipes.