When all we hear are bad news and our own personal life isn’t so good either, it’s difficult to remain positive. Negativity can affect our mindset and moods without us being aware of it and can seep in unnoticed in almost every aspect of our fragile lives. Before we know it, our happy meter has dropped down.
So, here are five simple tips to remain positive in the midst of negativity that inevitably happens at some point in our lives.
Remain positive by remembering the good things that matter most in your life.
With everything getting so complicated and changes happening faster than we can blink, we often forget the simple things that are constant and yet very important in our lives. And when tragedy occurs, everything seems to come crumbling down, making things appear worse than they actually are. To remain positive even while drowning in adversity, put the brakes on your gloomy thoughts and count the blessings that you have taken for granted. Shawn Acor of Harvard University suggests writing down every day three things you are grateful for. And don’t forget the constants in your life, like having family who support you, friends who are always there for you, a career you love, etc. Gratitude for what you take as mundane matters become powerful sources of unchanging positivity when faced with crises.
Meditate for mindfulness and compassion.
Regular daily meditation rewires the brain to decrease its response to emotional triggers. This was the finding of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston University. The resultant emotional stability improves your response to stress and keeps your mind on an even keel. Meditation directs your mind to focus inwardly so you become more aware of your breathing, thoughts and emotions while developing a compassionate nature towards your own self and toward others. By becoming less judgmental and sanctimonious, you develop a positive outlook.
Stay in the present.
Sometimes, the negativity of the past is so potent that it permeates the present and even far into the future. It’s easier said than done, but when you learn to let go of the hurts and disappointments, you undergo a cathartic release and feel free. But negativity can strike the present, too. So stay in it and find ways to counteract the bad vibes, a troublesome situation and pessimistic people. Trust that everything shall pass and stop worrying about the future. When you focus on the now, you accept that you cannot change the past and that harboring anxiety for the future is futile.
Act positive even when you’re not.
Greet people you meet with a cheerful countenance even if you know you’re faking it. Keep affirming to yourself, “I’m okay” even when you’re not. In the midst of a difficulty, take several deep breaths to calm your mind and get you back to a rational state. Acting positive even if you’re feeling the opposite will trick your brain into believing it and negativity ceases to influence you. This practice also works on the other end. Think dreadful thoughts and wear a frown and before you know it, you’ll be in a bad mood.
Do random acts of kindness.
It could be the sibling you’re always in a fight with, a co-worker or a stranger who could use a kind hand. The kindness you give to others will come back to you a hundredfold. Hand a cup of coffee to a stressed out workmate or offer to take on some tasks if you’re not too busy. Give up your seat on the bus to an old lady. These random acts will make you feel good and keep you in a positive state of mind.