Positive thinking isn’t magic and it won’t make all of your problems disappear. What it will do is make problems seem manageable and help you approach hardships in a more positive and productive way. Here are some tips that to get you started that can help you train your brain how to think positively.
Focus on the good things
Challenging situations and obstacles are a part of life. When you’re faced with one, focus on the positive things – no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they seem
- If you look for it, you can always find the proverbial silver lining in every cloud – even if it’s not immediately obvious
Start every day on a positive note
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
- Negative thinking and the many feelings that can accompany it, such as pessimism, stress, and anger, can cause a number of physical symptoms and increase your risk of diseases and a shortened lifespan.
Practice Gratitude
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
- This can be thanking a co-worker for helping with a project, a loved one for washing the dishes, or your dog for the unconditional love they give you
Practice positive self-talk
Be mindful of the voice in your head and respond with positive messages
- Research shows that even a small shift in the way you talk to yourself can influence your ability to regulate your feelings, thoughts, and behavior under stress
- Try saying “I’ll try it again a different way.”
Keep a gratitude journal
Write down all the things you’re grateful for to boost your mood and feelings of well-being.
Identify your areas of negativity
Take a good look at the different areas of your life and identify the ones in which you tend to be the most negative
Open yourself up to humor
Laughter lowers stress, anxiety, and depression
Spend time with positive people
Negativity and positivity are contagious