If you’re someone like me, who has had, or has, some trouble looking at “the glass half full” or “the bright side,” you know that it can be extremely difficult to look at all the positivity in your life. Rather than sulking in all of the negative outcomes your life rollercoaster has indulged you in here are six ways you can turn that frown upside down and begin to see life in a brighter light, so to speak.

1. Smile more

Even when you don’t really feel like there’s anything to smile about, just do it. Smile when you’re driving, when you’re in the shower, when you wake up. Smile at random times, and especially to random people. Behaving happier will make you happier.

2. Talk about your problems

If you’re feeling closed off and suffocated by all of the bad things happening around you, share your thoughts. It is much harder to deal with any problem alone. Have someone, or even multiple people, in your corner telling you everything is going to be OK, because it will.

3. Meditate

Meditation can be really difficult to master. Being able to sit still and forget everything and let your mind go blank, is a skill that requires practice. However, if you put forth the effort, you’ll feel much better after you close your eyes and clear your mind of all the negatives.

4. Be productive

You don’t have to go crazy. Clean your room, or buy that book you’ve been telling yourself for weeks to buy. Accomplishing small tasks can be very rewarding to your self esteem, and reflect on how you perceive everything around you.

5. Find an outlet

No, I don’t mean for your phone charger. I mean a creative outlet. Write your problems in a journal or a blog, draw the things that are bothering you, even run (not away from your problems) but so you can feel adrenaline pumping through your veins. Pour your negative emotions into something amazing.

6. Go outside

There is a big, blue, and beautiful sky above you each and every day. No matter the hardships you’re facing, the Earth always has something beautiful to offer you. So, get up! Get out of your bed, your room, your house, and find the parts of our world that you find to be truly amazing, that’s reason enough to be grateful.

Life has many low points, regardless of how small or large they might be. Sometimes, it can be hard to see past the negativities. It's important, though, to remember that all around you, at any time, there are things to be appreciated, moments to be cherished, and people to be loved.

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." --Albus Dumbledore