Mar 31, 2022

Tips to Staying Positive

It’s typical to undergo periods of negativity especially when something bad happens. When you’re filled with negative thoughts, it’s difficult to see the positive side of things and the silver lining in each of life challenges.

Positive thinking can be achieved by using a variety of different techniques, such as practicing positive self-talk and having a healthy lifestyle.

Here are some tips to get you started in training your brain to think positively.

1. Start the day positively

The way you begin your day sets the tone for the rest of it. If you begin the day with negative emotions and a negative outlook, negative thoughts will rapidly follow. Instead of letting this consume you, begin each day on a positive note. Some things you can do are:

Say positive affirmation to yourself in the mirror. (E.g., “Today will be a great day”, “I am loved, I am worthy”)
Listening to a happy/cheerful song.
Have an uplifting/warming conversation with family or friends.
Do something nice for someone.

2. Surround yourself with positive people

It has been shown that both negativity and positivity are contagious. Surrounding oneself with individuals who have a positive attitude towards life means living a life filled with good memories. Positive people not only transform your outlook, but they also can boost your overall well-being and quality of life.

They help you to ignore negativity, help you to create happy memories, and can boost your self-esteem. Positive people may influence your outlook on life. They inspire you to believe in yourself.

3. Exercise regularly and eat healthily

Exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Eat a healthy diet to fuel your mind and body, as hunger can cause more unpleasant emotions. These basic practises may appear dull and obvious, yet they have a significant impact on our overall health depending on how you manage them.

4. Finding humour is everyday situations

Allow yourself to smile or laugh, especially during difficult times. Look for the humour in everyday events. You feel less stressed when you can laugh at what’s happening, be it good or bad. Remind yourself that this situation will most likely make a good tale later and attempt to see the lighter side of it.

5. Practice positive self-talk

Negative self-talk is easy to develop and frequently goes undetected. You could think “I’m terrible at this” or that “I shouldn’t have tried it”. However, these negative thoughts become internalised feelings and may solidify your perceptions of yourself. This can lead to a poor opinion of yourself that is difficult to overcome over time. Which is why you have to be mindful of the voice in your head and respond with positive words, also known as positive self-talk.

6. Focus on the good things

There is no such thing as a perfect day. You are bound to run into obstacles throughout the day. Whatever obstacles you face, whether they are a challenge or something unlucky, focus on the benefits that come from them. For example, if your water bottle broke, think about how you could get a new and better water bottle. If you are stuck in a traffic jam, think about how you have more time to listen to your favourite songs on the radio or on your phone.