Life can be stressful, and some people seem to handle it better than others. In fact, some people have a knack for rolling with the punches without letting anything get them down. While it may seem like positivity is a trait you either possess or you don’t, you always have the option to see the silver lining in a raincloud. By following the tips below, you can learn to cultivate positivity.
Here are 6 simple tips for practicing positivity, even when you’re feeling stressed.
1. Get up on the right side of the bed.
There will always be days when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, but even when that happens you can choose to turn things around. Start each day on a positive note by making a healthy breakfast, listening to your favorite podcast on the way to work, or journaling to clear your head. Sometimes even the simple act of smiling can help you start to feel more positive.
2. Learn to challenge negative thinking.
You can’t always control the voice inside your head, but you can learn to identify negative patterns of thought and challenge them. Negative thinking can contribute to stress, so when you find yourself dwelling in the negative, take a moment to reframe your thoughts in a more positive way. Even if you can’t immediately turn your mood around, you might be able to think more constructively or logically about a difficult situation.
3. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
When it feels like life is throwing at you more than you can handle it’s easy to get bogged down in stress and anxiety. In times like this, however, sometimes the best thing you can do is think about something positive – think about all you have to be thankful for. Psychology research suggests gratitude is associated with improved happiness and it could even help relieve stress.
4. Practice self-care and mindfulness.
If you don’t take time to care for yourself, you’ll have a harder time handling the stress of everyday life. Self-care is not selfish – it’s an absolute necessity. Try to spend at least 30 minutes a day doing an activity you enjoy or something that relieves stress. Relaxing activities like meditation can help improve your state of mind.
5. Invest in positive relationships.
You have enough on your plate without having to worry about other people’s problems. If there are people in your life who seem to exude toxicity, it might be time to distance yourself from them. Connecting with others is a great way to boost your mental health, but it’s important to choose the right people. Surrounding yourself with positive people is a great way to cultivate your own positivity.
6. Take care of your mental and physical health.
When you’re feeling mentally and physically well, positivity comes more easily. Invest in yourself by following a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising on a regular basis but don’t forget about your mental health. Talking to a friend or therapist could help you cope with stress and identify areas of negativity in your life. If you’re not sure whether therapy is for you, consider online therapy to get the help you need without leaving the comfort or privacy of your home.
We all have bad days but if you live your life with a pessimistic attitude, you may invite more negativity your way. Practicing positivity takes a little effort, but you’ll find life much more pleasant when you choose to see the bright side of things. Try implementing some of the tips above to inject a little more positivity into your life.