5 Tips to Ignite the Power of Positivity
In a funk? Truth be told, every day has something positive in it. That doesn’t take away from the feelings of doubt or depletion, but some days you just have to look a little harder. I promise you, it’s there!
Here are seven things you can do to bring positivity and happiness into your life.
Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude has been shown to reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and foster resilience even in very difficult times. Think of people, moments, or things that bring you some kind of comfort or happiness, and try to express your gratitude at least once a day. It could be for your husband who picked up dinner when he knew you had a rough day, the cute wrinkles in your baby's nose after you tell them a knock-knock joke, or even for your health—especially during unprecedented times.
Laugh your ass off
Laughter lowers stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves coping skills, mood, and self-esteem. Be open to humor in all situations, especially the difficult ones, and give yourself permission to laugh. It instantly lightens the mood and makes things seem a little less difficult. You ain’t living if you ain't laughing!
You are who you surround yourself with
Negativity and positivity have been shown to be contagious. Consider the people with whom you’re spending time. Have you noticed how someone in a bad mood can bring down almost everyone in a room? A positive person has the opposite effect on others.
Being around positive people has been shown to improve self-esteem and increase your chances of reaching goals. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up and help you see the bright side. And be that person to others, too!
Hey boo, you are doing a great job!
We tend to be the hardest on ourselves and be our own worst critics. Over time, this can cause you to form a negative opinion of yourself that can be hard to shake. To stop this! Make a daily effort in being mindful of the voice in your head and respond with positive messages. As cheesy as it sounds, this is known as positive self-talk. Just this small shift in the way you talk to yourself can influence your ability to regulate your feelings, thoughts, and behavior under stress.
Start every day on a positive note
Create a ritual in which you start off each day with something uplifting and positive. Here are a few ideas:
Tell yourself that it’s going to be a great day or any other positive affirmation even before you hop out of bed or reach for your phone.
Listen to a happy and positive song or playlist.
Share some positivity by giving a compliment or doing something nice for someone.
Positive thinking isn’t about burying every negative thought or emotion you have or avoiding difficult feelings. The lowest points in our lives are often the ones that motivate us to move on and make positive changes.
Utilize these tips whenever you are feeling low. It’s not always easy but I practice patience and grace with myself (and teach my clients to do so) on the daily—it’s so important to your health! What are your favorite ways to cope during a rut?
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