“See the positive side, the potential, and make an effort.”
~ Dalai Lama
Positivity is powerful. It can have a profound effect on our thought patterns, our actions, and our world view. So why is it so easy to fall prey to negative thoughts?
Negative thinking goes beyond simple pessimism– it can have a devastating effect on our lives. That’s why breaking free from the pattern of negativity is so important. It has the power to turn our worldview on its head.
To help overcome negativity, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best tips and tricks that will help put you on the path to positivity.
1. Replace the Negativity in Your Surroundings
Dealing with negativity on a daily basis wears you down. If you find that certain music, news sources, TV shows or people are making it difficult to stay positive, consider ways you can reshape your relationship with them.
2. Go For a Short Workout
Sometimes a kick of endorphins is all you need to change your headspace. If you feel negative thoughts creeping up on you, head to the gym. A short workout will reduce inner tension and make your mind focused and constructive once again.
3. Start the Day the Right Way
Getting out of bed on the wrong side can really put a dampener on your day, so create a morning ritual that exudes positivity. Taking time to practice yoga, meditate, and eat a healthy breakfast are all brilliant mindful ways to start the day. But most importantly, do whatever makes you happy.
4. Replace Negative Thoughts with Positive Ones
Negative thought patterns are often repetitive and unconstructive. So instead of worrying about something that may never happen, think of what positive actions you can take to overcome the problem. In other words, become a doer, not a dweller.
5. Meditate or Do Yoga
Meditation and yoga both revolve around breathing – something we often simply forget to do properly when we’re stressed and anxious. Regular practices can help you stay present, making it easier to focus on the here and now rather than any negativity linked to the past or future.
6. Start a Gratitude Journal
When negativity strikes it can be easy to forget the good things in our life. Practising gratitude is a simple way of overcoming this, reminding you of all you have to be happy about. Every night take five minutes to jot down the things you’re thankful for, however big or small.
7. Approach Challenges From a Different Angle
It can be tempting to find the negatives in life, but a simple change in approach can make a world of difference. So instead of thinking about all the terrible things that may come out of a situation, focus on everything you’ll learn from it. In other words, find the positives in even the most challenging situations.
8. Smile
Our facial expressions do more than communicate our mood, they can help influence it too. Recent studies have revealed that by enhancing and reinforcing positive emotions, a simple smile can help boost your mood – even if it feels forced. Smiling has also been shown to be contagious, so spread the positivity!
9. Help Someone
Helping others is a great way to fight negativity. Whether you volunteer at a soup kitchen or simply help out a friend in need, doing good in the world instantly gives you something to feel happy about.
10. Read Positive Quotes
A positive quote has the power to change your day for the better, so fill your life with them. Whenever you find a saying or a story that puts a smile on your face, jot it down on a Post-It note and stick it to the fridge. A daily reminder to stay positive can be incredibly powerful.
If you enjoyed this article then you will love our recent article The Power of Gratitude.
