Recharging with Positivity: 12 Tools to Build Emotional Resilience in Early Childhood Education

Lately, I’ve been revisiting the work of emotions researcher Barbara Fredrickson, particularly her book Positivity. It’s a powerful blend of evidence-based research and practical strategies—exactly the kind of balance I strive for in my own work with early childhood educators.

Fredrickson’s research highlights the incredible impact of experiencing a higher ratio of positive to negative emotions—with the important caveat that all emotions are valid and informative. But intentionally cultivating positive emotions brings benefits that go far beyond just “feeling good”—they build lasting personal and professional resources that can really support us in the challenging, rewarding work of early childhood education.

Why Positive Emotions Matter in ECEC

In the high-demand environment of early learning, positive emotions are more than just a nice bonus—they’re essential tools for building resilience, staying engaged, and creating a healthy team culture. Here’s what the research shows:

💭 Cognitively and Psychologically:

• Improved performance and mental clarity

• Broader thinking and greater openness to possibilities

• Increased intrinsic motivation

• Greater persistence when facing challenges or setbacks

• A boost in internal resources, creating an upward spiral of wellbeing

🧠 Neurochemically:

• Enhanced creative thinking and problem-solving

• Sharper focus and improved ability to process complex situations

• A natural boost in feel-good brain chemicals

🧬 Physiologically:

• Expanded peripheral vision (literally broadening perspective!)

• Stronger immune response

• Quicker recovery after stress, thanks to reduced autonomic arousal

The Positivity Toolkit: 12 Ways to Shift Your State

One of my favourite takeaways from Positivity is Barb’s 12-Tool Positivity Toolkit—a collection of simple but powerful practices for growing positive emotions over time. I’ve used this personally for over a decade to build and sustain positive emotions.

Here’s a quick summary of the tools:

1. Be open – Let go of expectations and judgments. (Tough, but transformative.)

2. Create high-quality connections – Be present, show positive regard, and genuinely engage with others. (Inspired by Jane Dutton’s research.)

3. Cultivate kindness – being kind is the best way to inspire kindness.

4. Develop healthy distractions – Redirect your energy when you feel stuck in negativity.

5. Dispute negative thinking – Gently challenge unhelpful thoughts.

6. Find nearby nature – A walk through the park, beach, or bushland can reset your whole system.

7. Learn and use your strengths – I love the VIA Character Strengths survey as a starting point.

8. Meditate mindfully – mediation increases openness, openness breeds positivity .

9. Practice loving-kindness meditation – My personal favourite for fostering positive regard toward ourselves and others.

10. Ritualise gratitude – Make thankfulness a habit and notice the ripple effect.

11. Savour positivity – Slow down, reflect, and really absorb the good.

12. Visualise your future – Let your sense of purpose energise your present.

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Try One Tool This Week

Choose just one of these tools to focus on this week. Notice how it affects your energy, your relationships, and your mindset. You might also consider sharing this list with your colleagues—positivity is contagious, and when teams tap into it together, amazing things can happen.

Which tool resonates most with you right now? Let me know in the comments or share it with your team. Let’s keep building our emotional toolkit together.

🌿 Because when educators have higher levels of wellbeing and positivity, everyone benefits.