“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are” – Anais Nin
Positivity is a practice that has been wildly popular in recent years and will likely persist for years to come. Positivity practitioners are always searching for “tips, tricks and potions” to successfully shift their outlook on life, and rightly so too. In fact, many believe that a positive attitude is one of the greatest things you can do to propel your self-development.
Positivity makes us feel happier and more productive, but there are also many health benefits surrounding positive thinking. While someone’s positivity may be evident through a smile and cheerful glow, the systems that keep your body functioning at its best will also feel the benefits.
Lucky for you… we are bringing you 6 ways to jumpstart a positive change in your life.
Our ultimate goal is to show you:
How to remain positive, no matter what is going on around you.
1. Identify Positives in Negative Situations
One of the simplest, but most effective ways to stimulate your positive focus is to look at the bright side of every situation. All it takes is a few questions and you’ll be able to see the good in a bad situation.
Always ask yourself:
- Does this negative situation bring any opportunity?
- What is one good thing that can happen to me as a result of this situation?
When you ask yourself these questions, you fill force your mind to produce positive and therapeutic thoughts.
When you train your mind to think positive, you’ll be capable of finding a good in every possible situation (even those situations that seem daunting or unbearable)
2. Read, Watch & Write Positive Content
You choose what you consume and what you consume is who you become. Why not choose to consume material which stimulates positive focus and helps you find positive outlooks? With easy access to the internet, finding inspiration and positive material has never been easier.
There are plenty of books, movies and tv series which can stimulate your positive thinking. The team prefers watching movies, as it’s like you’re reliving the main protagonist’s story – from levels of weakness to levels where happiness comes in plenty.
When you consume positive content, write down your thoughts in a notebook. This will help you to consciously get into a positive mood.
3. Practice Gratitude
Practicing gratitude for what you already have is a very simple activity that can shift your outlook over time. Instead of glancing at your mobile phone first thing in the morning, take a few minutes to think… Think and take note of the things that you appreciate in your life, both big and small.
Get yourself a notebook and list 3 to 5 things which you’re grateful for once a day. It can be family, business, finance or relationship-based. It could be as simple as having food to eat or having met somebody really great.
When you begin to be grateful for the small things in your life, your positive thinking will flow easily.
Expressing gratitude has it’s scientifically-proven benefits too.
4. Follow a Healthy Lifestyle
Arguably the most effective way to jumpstart a positive change in your life is to follow a healthy lifestyle.
Following a “healthy lifestyle” is so significant, as it could be the difference between feeling depressed, sad and unproductive to feeling positive, joyful and super-productive. It’s all about balancing regular exercise, healthy eating and ensuring you’re getting substantial rest.
Eating healthy:
We are not telling you to completely abandon junk food, as it’s important to see a balance in your life, but junk food (on most occasions) provides no nutritional or positive benefit to your body or mind.
The foods we eat don’t only affect our physical well-being, but they also affect our thinking and outlooks on life. Consume good and you’ll see good.
Healthy eating can enhance your mood, increase energy levels, reduce depression and even help to build your self-esteem.
Exercising regularly:
Can doing one thing consistently for 30 to 45 minutes a day really help us feel happier and seek positivity? The answer is yes. That’s what regular exercise can do for you.
Regular exercise boosts our mood and positive thoughts, as it releases endorphins, which are hormones that make us feel better.
“Regular exercise” doesn’t mean vigorously pushing the heaviest dumbbells. It just means doing what works for you.
Go for a walk in nature, cycle around your neighborhood, practice yoga, or if you’re the person – Get in a hardcore gym session.
Getting substantial rest:
“Rest and be thankful” – William Wadsworth
If your life is getting too chaotic to handle, take a break. Take a day off. Take some time off to reflect.
Taking breaks is vital for a positive focus, but you also need healthy sleep. A good night’s sleep is directly correlated to a positive mood and optimism.
5. Surround Yourself With People Who Make You Happy
Have you ever noticed how the presence of a ‘negative minded’ can change the entire atmosphere of a room? It’s not changed for the better too… A negative presence can force you into negative-thinking. Surround yourself with people who are optimistic.
You are the product of your environment. You choose who you spend time with. Why not select people who force you into being positive?
6. Help Others & Be Kind
It may sound like a cliche, but even small acts of kindness can improve your mood, force you into positive thinking and ultimately make you feel happier.
Whether it’s opening a door for someone, helping a work colleague with a task, helping your mother with cooking or donating some money for a cause – These small tasks are a great way to jumpstart a positive change in your life.
After all, it’s the small things that matter at the end of the day.
Final thoughts:
Positive change is a process – You can’t expect regular negative thinking to transform into optimism in a day or two. However, taking action and implementing the practices as we’ve mentioned can speed up the process.
If you notice that you feel bombarded with negative thoughts – remember to trust the process. Apply all the steps above, give yourself time and analyze if your outlook on life changes.
Why not take your positive change to a different level? Invest in your skincare and let your personality shine through.