Icelandic Provisions and Dr. Deepika Chopra serve a heaping dose of optimism
The classic song about “always looking on the bright side of life” might be a fun tune to whistle, but the sentiment of appreciating a healthy dose of optimism should not be forgotten. Recently, Icelandic Provisions partnered with Dr. Deepika Chopra, aka the Optimism Doctor, to spark a conversation on how changing perspectives, creating rituals, and some flavorful food choices can put a little pep in your step.
The old question of do you see a bowl half full or half empty has been used to better understand people’s point of view. Whether it is a cultural perspective, something innate in a person's being, or a habit created over time, focusing on the positive can be beneficial for everyone.
As part of its Bowl Half Full Report, Icelandic Provisions wants to remind people that the characteristics of resilience, optimism, and well-being can be nurtured by all. Whether the idea starts by enjoying a bowl of its Icelandic skyr to start the day, taking a few moments to block out the noise, or otherwise do something that brings a smile can change people’s outlook.
Recently, I spoke with Dr. Deepika Chopra about her collaboration with Icelandic Provisions and the Bowl Half Full Report. While the well-versed doctor has methods for people to overcome obstacles and foster their resilient qualities, those habits take time to create.
To start our conversation, Dr. Chopra wanted to define the terms in ways that felt more tangible. As she explained, “optimism sometimes can get misunderstood or misconstrued. It is not about being positive all the time. Optimism is rooted in resiliency. It is being able to view setbacks as less than ideal situations that are temporary and something that you have the power to overcome.”
“There is a beautiful organic and synergy to this Icelandic Provisions partnership. The philosophy of Icelanders is deeply rooted in optimism. It is rooted in the resilience that Icelanders know well. It is interconnected with all types of practices.”
As Dr. Chopra explained, obstacles cannot be avoided in life. Instead, people learn how to navigate their way through them.
One method Dr. Chopra teaches in her optimism approach is the benefit of rituals. She said, “rituals are so important because they help ground us to what we truly value most. It can be as simple as starting the morning with a healthy breakfast, like Icelandic Provisions Skyr, a morning walk, or listening to music.”
While Americans have a healthy dose of optimism according to this Bowl Half Full report, everyone can continue to build on that sentiment. Whether it is a healthy breakfast to start the day or starting every morning with a dance break, it is all about little choices that build into a consistent ritual.
Even though some people might think that small change is minimalist, Dr. Chopra believes those small steps are better in the long run. She said, “those little steps are doable and something people can commit to doing. In the long run, the smaller steps are better than drastic changes.”
As people commit to fostering their resilience, Dr. Chopra does not want people to bury their head in the sand or avoid anything negative. She recommends limiting exposure to certain times or avenues. For her, it is about creating boundaries.
Specifically, she said that it is vital to “intentionally engage in activities that make them feel good.” When people have boundaries coupled with mindful moments, they can have more purpose in their day.
Building on those intentionally engaged moments, food can help spur that conversation. Since food often creates a bridge between people, I had to ask Dr. Chopra’s favorite Icelandic Provisions flavor and her favorite way to enjoy the skyr. She loves the Strawberries and Cream with some local granola.
Personally, the honey and apricot paired with some nuts has become my new mid-afternoon ritual to step away from the noise. Those few moments to put down the screen, stare out at the lake by my house, and just enjoy a simple, delicious snack is both a moment to recharge and resolve to put myself on the calendar. It is both a ritual and a boundary. While not a dramatic moment, it makes that looming deadline a little easier to tackle.
Ready to sprinkle a dose of optimism into your day? Resiliency can start with a little ritual and build into a foundation that spurs a sense of fulfillment.