At Plan with Care, we have embedded the PERMA Model in everything we do, whether it be in our work with the people we support or our interactions with one another. In today’s fast-paced world, the quest for a meaningful and fulfilling life is more important than ever. Many people seek a science-backed framework to enhance their well-being. Enter PERMA, a pioneering concept in positive psychology introduced by Dr. Martin Seligman, one of the field's most influential figures. For a little more background on PERMA, check out this video.
What is the PERMA Model?
PERMA is an acronym representing five key elements that contribute to human flourishing. Each element is independent, meaning you can pursue them individually, yet they work together to enhance overall wellbeing.
Positive Emotion (P) Positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and hope are central to a fulfilling life. While happiness is not the sole ingredient, savouring moments of pleasure and cultivating an optimistic outlook can significantly impact our mental health.
How: Practice gratitude journalling, engage in activities that bring you joy, and reflect on positive experiences daily.
Examples of positive PERMA emotions
Engagement (E) Have you ever been so absorbed in an activity that time seemed to fly? This state, often referred to as “flow,” is where engagement thrives. Being fully immersed in something you enjoy or excel at boosts satisfaction and helps combat boredom.
How: Discover hobbies or tasks that challenge and captivate you, whether it’s painting, playing sports, or solving puzzles.
Relationships (R) Strong, meaningful connections with others are vital for emotional wellbeing. Supportive relationships provide love, trust, and shared joy, acting as a buffer against life’s stresses.
How: Invest time in nurturing friendships, spend quality moments with loved ones, and practice active listening in conversations.
Meaning (M) Living with a sense of purpose gives life depth and direction. Whether through religion, volunteering, career goals, or personal values, finding what matters most to you provides a powerful source of fulfilment.
How: Reflect on what gives you a sense of accomplishment and alignment with your values. Engage in causes or activities that make a positive impact.
Accomplishment (A) Achieving goals, whether big or small, boosts confidence and provides a sense of pride. Accomplishments are not just about professional success but also about personal milestones and self-improvement.
How: Set realistic, achievable goals and celebrate your progress. Remember, it’s the journey, not just the destination, that counts.
Why is the PERMA Model Important?
The PERMA model shifts the focus from fixing what’s wrong to building what’s right. Unlike traditional psychology, which often emphasises pathology, PERMA emphasises flourishing and resilience. Research shows that cultivating the five elements listed above can lead to:
Enhanced mental health: A reduction in anxiety and depression.
Improved physical health: Lower stress levels and stronger immune function.
Greater life satisfaction: A sense of purpose and fulfilment.
How we use PERMA at Plan with Care
We train our team to understand PERMA and how to use it in their work and personal life to improve their wellbeing, and that of those we support
PERMA is a regular agenda item at our weekly team meetings, where staff are encouraged to reflect and share on ways in which we have used PERMA that week
It is embedded in our team performance reviews and appraisals (using resources like the PERMA wheel, below), meaning that goals related to PERMA form part of the team’s focus throughout the year
We use PERMA as part of our regular wellbeing and improvement review for people we support. We look at each element, considering any new information in that domain, and plan how we can help maximise wellbeing in that area over the next period.
The PERMA wheel - used to create a visual representation of current state of wellbeing
Final Thoughts
The PERMA model is a versatile and empowering framework that encourages individuals to take control of their well-being. By investing in positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments, you can cultivate a life filled with purpose, joy, and resilience. It has been impactful for us at Plan with Care, both personally and professionally – give it a go and see how PERMA can enrich your life and improve your wellbeing!
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