Summit Session Spotlight—Nontoxic Positivity

In today's world, and especially wellness, it’s all about “good vibes only,” right? Bad days don’t exist because we are positive people who have mastered skills like positive affirmations and mindful meditation ... right? If we are having a rough day at work, well, at least we have a job, right? You get the idea. Being positive is the way to go ... well, at least until it’s not.

Whether at work or at home, we’re often encouraged to show up as our “best selves.” While the intention is often to encourage a positive mindset, it doesn't always land that way. Sometimes, it can feel dismissive and even toxic, leading to what's known as toxic positivity. Toxic positivity might also sound like "You'll be stronger because of this," or "It could be worse." The same mindset can show up at home too—When work feels overwhelming, you may feel pressure to set those worries aside. But sometimes, that’s easier said than done and trying to do so can create even more stress.

At the 2025 Annual Wellness Summit, Chase Sterling, founder of the Wellbeing Think Tank and principal consultant of HHP Cultures, took a deep dive into this topic during her session: Nontoxic Positivity—Strategies for Building Resilience and Well-Being. As Chase describes it, when positivity silences struggle, it stops being supportive. When challenges are acknowledged, leaving space for hope, that's nontoxic positivity and a step toward healthy optimism.

In her session, Chase explained that it’s not always possible to fully separate our work and home lives, and trying to push our worries to the side or bury them doesn’t always serve us well either. When we’re given permission to show up as our true, authentic selves, it creates opportunities for trust and support. To put this into practice, Chase offered the following strategies.

1. Recognize toxic positivity and replace it with healthy optimism.

    

2. Put on your CAPE, the Four Pillars of Personal Resilience.

   C—Connection: Build strong, supportive relationships.

   A—Adaptability: Stay flexible in how you think and respond.

   P—Purpose: Anchor yourself in meaning and values.

   E—Emotional regulation: Use tools to stay grounded under stress.
   

    

3. Lead with CARE by following the Four Keys to a Supportive Culture.

C—Courageous conversations: Invite honest, open dialog.

A—Authentic leadership: Model vulnerability and realness.

R—Representation and inclusion: Ensure all voices are part of decisions.

E—Evidence in action: Ensure policies and practices match stated values.

Putting these strategies into practice could sound like this: If you’re having a tough day at work, instead of someone saying, “Well, at least you have a job,” they might say, “That sounds really stressful. I’m here if you want to talk.”

Chase helps us understand that balanced optimism can nurture both connection and well-being without overlooking life’s complexities. By being mindful of how we communicate and present ourselves, we not only become more effective leaders and colleagues, but also enrich our other relationships, too. In doing so, we play an active role in shaping the cultures around us, creating environments where authenticity, support, and resilience thrive. 

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  Ashton DeMoss

  Wellness Content and Information Specialist

  IFEBP

  As a Wellness Content and Information Specialist at the Wellness Alliance, Ashton is passionate about supporting employee well-being and advancing workplace wellness initiatives. With over 12 years of experience as a certified health coach, Ashton has worked extensively in the worksite wellness sector, empowering individuals and organizations to prioritize health and create sustainable wellness strategies. Outside of work, she enjoys group exercise classes and participating in a monthly book club to nurture both her physical and mental well-being.