Mental health has become a major focus, making the quest for happiness and well-being more important than ever. Positive psychology stands out as a guiding light, offering tools and practices to improve our lives Zeena Hicks, affectionately known by her clients as “The Positivity Doctor,” has dedicated her career to exploring the transformative power of positive psychology. Through her journey and extensive research, she reveals how this science can be pivotal in professional and personal growth, education, ADHD management, parenting, and beyond.

Zeena Hicks grew up in Dublin, Ireland, and now based in Oxfordshire, UK, has had a diverse career spanning international fashion modeling, acting, marketing, communications, and perinatal education. These experiences have given her an unparalleled perspective on human perception, both its potential and limitations, and contributed to her current vocation as a positive psychologist, accredited coach, trainer, speaker, and author. Through her work, she firmly advocates the power of evidence-based positivity to foster lasting and transformative change, a belief rooted in her personal and professional experiences.

Early 2023 saw the publication of her debut book, ’28 Days of Positivity,’ offering a practical blueprint for thriving. Grounded in positive psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness practices, the book is accessible, easy to read, and provides a simple transformative journey toward self-improvement and growth.

Founding Ventures and Initiatives

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Zeena has founded several impactful ventures. The Art of Perception Ltd is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations see and do things differently and organically re-invent themselves by empowering them to break free from limiting behavioral patterns, overcome obstacles, and embrace change, strengthen resilience against toxic environments, enabling individuals to become conscious humans, influential leaders, and impactful changemakers.

Positive Education UK and Ireland have pioneered a groundbreaking triad approach that helps parents, educators, and pupils create a shared, common neuro-affirming language for positive mental health. Through the infusion of positive psychology practices, this organization establishes a strong foundation for improved mental well-being, enhanced relationships, and elevated academic achievements.

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Zeena serves as one of the lead coaches for INSEAD Business School’s online courses, working with emerging leaders and C-suite executives from global organizations such as Microsoft, LinkedIn, Lego, Shopify, Shell, Google, and Coca-Cola. She is a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) and holds a Global Individual Accreditation (EIA Senior Practitioner Level). Her qualifications include an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology, diplomas in Perinatal Education, Breathwork, and NLP, and certificates in Mindfulness, Mental Health First Aid, and ADHD Clinical Services Provision (ADHD-CCSP).

Practical Applications and Daily Exercises

Zeena’s interest in positive psychology is deeply personal. Witnessing her eldest son’s struggle with a negative outlook from a young age motivated her to delve into this field. This experience highlighted the profound impact of mental states on those around us and inspired her to explore how positive psychology can create lasting change.

Positive psychology focuses on what makes life worth living, shifting from traditional psychology’s problem-centric approach to emphasizing strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities thrive. Zeena’s work underscores the importance of focusing on what’s right with us, promoting optimism, and countering negative biases.

The role of positive psychology in educational settings cannot be overstated. By incorporating principles such as mindful communication, growth mindset, gratitude practices, and strength-based approaches, educators can significantly enhance student well-being and academic performance. These interventions support cognitive development and equip students with essential skills for emotional resilience and personal growth.

Furthermore, Zeena highlights positive psychology’s relevance beyond conventional therapy sessions, particularly in managing conditions like ADHD. By complementing traditional treatments with positive psychology interventions, individuals can improve focus, motivation, and emotional regulation without relying solely on medication or intensive therapy. She shared valuable insights into practical exercises that anyone can incorporate into their daily routines to harness the benefits of positive psychology:

• Mindfulness Meditation: Regular mindfulness meditation can increase self-awareness and reduce stress.
• Self-Reflection Journaling: Keeping a journal to reflect on thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences fosters a habit of gratitude and positivity.
• Gratitude Letters: Writing heartfelt letters of gratitude strengthens relationships and nurtures a grateful mindset.
• Strengths Assessment: Using tools like the VIA Character Strengths Survey to identify and leverage one’s strengths enhances engagement in various aspects of life.
• Walk in Nature: Taking mindful walks in nature with set intentions cultivates mindfulness and reduces stress levels.

By embracing these practices from ’28 Days of Positivity,’ individuals are invited to embark on a journey toward self-discovery and well-being.

Zeena’s story is not just about turning adversity into opportunity but also about the profound impact our actions and mindset shifts can have on those around us. This is a testament to positive psychology’s ripple effect across various facets of human experience.

In navigating uncertain times filled with personal and global challenges, the wisdom of “The Positivity Doctor” serves as a powerful reminder that focusing on positivity is not just self-care but a rebellion against the ingrained negativity bias.

Published by: Martin De Juan