The 5 V’s for Thriving
Dr. Judith Joseph, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Manhattan Behavioral Medicine and a professor at NYU Langone Medical Center, recently authored High Functioning: Overcome Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy. In it, she discusses High-Functioning Depression (HFD), which often goes undetected. She has created the 5 V’s for Thriving, as a step to unlocking the science of happiness: Validation, Venting, Values, Vitals, and Vision. The V’s are backed by over 60 clinical research trials.
Here are the 5 V’s for Thriving
Validation—Validation is rooted in mindfulness. It includes sharing how we feel physically and emotionally and not dismissing or diminishing our experiences. First, we notice what is happening to us. This is an internal exercise which could include a body scan, meditating or using a free app like How We Feel. By acknowledging our experience, we release stress.
Venting—This is not complaining; this is naming an experience or problem as a step to taming it. Instead of keeping something buried inside, share it with someone. Notice it, share it, discuss it—with consent from the receiver. In addition to telling someone, you might consider journaling. Ideally, this experience leads to empathetic support.
Values—What is important to you? What brings meaning in your life? Identifying your values is one step. Reflecting on past moments of fulfillment or people you find inspiring can help you understand what you find important. Ask yourself how you can make these values more present in your everyday life.
Vitals—How you treat your body as well as what you put in it matters. Do you:
Experience consistent, high-quality sleep?
Eat a healthy diet?
Manage your day-to-day stress?
Spend time with others?
Have time for recovery (hobbies, unstructured time)?
Move your body regularly?
The pieces of overall well-being enable you to care for yourself so you can care for others. These biological conditions can increase or reduce physical inflammation throughout your body and impact your capacity to carry out your day. The quality of our relationships over our lifespan is the single biggest indicator for longevity.
Vision—The ability to look forward to the future with hope is a strength. If you only look backwards at the past, or keep getting triggered by past trauma, resentment will grow. The opportunity for today and tomorrow is to be forward looking. Plan joy-inducing activities. Scientists say that being able to look forward to something can give us as much enjoyment as the actual activity.
At Our Healing Therapy, we will help you identify the details of your 5 V’s and accompany you on your journey gathering more joyful moments. Contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health care nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. The information may change without notice. No claims, promises, or guarantees are made about the completeness, accuracy, currency, content or quality of information linked. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.
