Are you a glass-half-full, happy-go-lucky, always-looking-at-the-bright-side sort of person? Few people truly are, it seems, and that’s okay! Being endlessly optimistic can be exhausting. But perhaps you would like a few handy tricks and tips for staying positive? That way, when life throws you a curveball, you can power through with resilience and hope.
Tips for Staying Positive
Identify the positives in the situation.
There are positive aspects to almost every situation. So when you’re feeling down on your luck, keep an eye out for the positives. For example, perhaps a health problem helped you connect with a similarly afflicted friend, pushed you to focus more on your nutrition, or gave you a little more free time for hobbies.
Write in a gratitude journal daily.
One of our most beneficial tips for staying positive is to create a gratitude journal and write in it daily. Establishing this habit will give you a daily reminder to assess your life and reflect on everything you’re grateful for. And whenever you’re having an off day, you can flip through the pages of your journal to remind yourself of all the joys in your life.
Perform an act of kindness.
If you want to get in a more positive mindset, step outside of your own thoughts for a moment. Instead, focus your attention on someone else. What could you do to help someone today? Give someone a compliment, offer to help with a chore, purchase food to donate to a soup kitchen – the list goes on and on.
Create a positive environment.
The people around you and the information you consume can have a profound impact on your mental health. So if you find that your friends are constantly complaining and focusing on the negative, you may need to find some more positive friends. And when it comes to information, look for books, movies, music, and websites that inspire you and encourage you. Spend less time with information that leaves you feeling angry, upset, or hopeless.
Focus on solutions instead of problems.
Do you constantly find yourself dwelling on problems? I’ve been eating too many sweets . . . My neighborhood has too much litter . . . My sister and I never talk anymore . . . When a problem arises in your mind, focus on potential solutions and put one into action. For example, if you’ve been eating too many sweets, try to replace those cookies and cakes with fresh fruit. If your neighborhood has too much litter, pick it up! If you don’t talk to your sister much, plan to give her a call each Monday evening. You have the power to fix many of the issues in your life. And if you can’t find a solution to a particular problem, recognize that the situation is beyond your control and do your best to accept it.
Learn to distinguish fact from fiction.
The more time you spend ruminating on negative thoughts, the more powerful they become. This is dangerous because in many cases, our negative thoughts are simply opinions, not facts. So when you hear your inner voice running through pessimistic or self-destructive thoughts, stop for a moment. Recognize that many of your thoughts (especially those that include words like never and always) are likely false, and that reality isn’t as bad as you think.
Simply smile.
Simply smiling and laughing can actually make you feel happier. When you smile, your brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, which can give you a natural mood boost. So even if you aren’t feeling particularly joyful, smile anyway. Your brain may follow your mouth’s lead.
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Who wouldn’t like to be a little happier? We hope these tips for staying positive help you look on the bright side of life.
Are you seeking an assisted living, memory support, or physician-directed nursing community in Kansas City? Check out The Piper. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals ensure that residents feel secure and comfortable right away. At our warm and welcoming community, which is truly a “home within a home,” we foster social interaction, engagement, and the right amount of care. Our residents always come first. To learn more about our services or to schedule a tour, please give us a call at 913-400-7006 or contact us online.