Trying to view life and any given situation through rose-colored glasses isn’t always easy, and we all get struck every now and then with a bout of pessimism. However, it is possible to look at things from a different perspective if you’re willing to put some effort and work into it. Since the mind tends to focus on threats, whether they may or may not actually happen, maintaining a positive outlook on life is a daily challenge that will require your full attention. Here are a few tips to help you turn your frown upside down and stay positive.
Stay mentally and physically healthy
There’s no doubt that working out a couple of times a week or more, getting enough sleep at night and eating a healthy diet can have a huge effect on your mindset. Foods that have Vitamin B-12 and Omega 3 fatty acids keep up the levels of mood-regulating chemicals in the brain. So unless you’re allergic to any foods, incorporate walnuts, fish, meat, fortified tofu, low-fat dairy, cheese, and eggs into your diet for a healthy balance. Try switching up your workout routines so you get plenty of fresh air and sunlight.
Take care of yourself
Make sure you give yourself some “me” time throughout the week to cope with stress and conflicts. Listen to your favorite music, read a book or pamper yourself and just relax without thinking about your daily and pending tasks. Put away your phone and computer for a while and try to focus on your breathing and mindfulness.
Focus on creating solutions
We all face difficult situations on a daily basis, but you have to pause and ask yourself whether worrying about things before they’ve even happened or after they took place has ever helped you in any practical way. How many of your worries have ever come true in reality? Most of the things you fear most in life will never happen so take a reality check as often as you can and come up with solutions to your problems instead of focusing on creating more stress-inducing problems.
Pursue a hobby
Hobbies are excellent stress relievers and can boost your self-esteem. Express your emotions through a fun and exciting activity you love to do. Don’t be afraid to try new activities that will keep you on your toes and make you step out of your comfort zone. You’ll be surprised by how good you’ll feel after you’ve tried learning something new.
Make someone else happy
Add value and positivity to someone else’s life by volunteering, lending a hand to help a friend in need, simply listening to a friend and giving them advice and smiling. Encouraging someone who might be having a bad day will automatically give more meaning to your own day and make you and them feel better. Throw in a hug and a smile for an added positive effect.
Believe in yourself
We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but being able to identify and owning your strengths will help you accept your weaknesses and work on them. Set yourself up to success by assessing your own limitations and drawing boundaries accordingly. Feel good about feeling good about yourself.
Count your blessings and be grateful
With studies showing that being grateful for what you have helps you stay optimistic about your future and boosts your mental health, there’s no wonder you should be counting your blessings every single day. Taking time to contemplate what you’re grateful for reduces the stress hormone cortisol by 23% and helps improve your mood, energy and happiness.
Life has its ups and downs, but if you focus on the good rather than on the bad, you’re bound to live a happier and more fulfilling life. Make sure to call a friend or set up a face-to-face meeting every once in a while to let them know how you feel. The trick is to keep doing your best since that’s all we can do at the end of the day.
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