If you are like me, it is fairly easy to sit back and watch the world around you with a misanthropic mindset. The troubles of the world surround us daily and it is sometimes extremely hard to look towards the sunshine rather than the shadows. Luckily, there are ways to start living your life with a more positive outlook. Here are five ways to begin your journey and drop the negative lifestyle.
1. Deep Breaths
As cliché as breathing exercises sound, they could be your saving grace. Instead of huffing and puffing after something small happens, like getting cut off in traffic or hitting your head on the top of your car door as you get in (a daily occurrence for me), breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth and set the trivial issue aside. I know, it sounds like I’m a yoga instructor on duty, but try it and see if it works for you!
2. Less Social Media
We all know that occasionally social media can have negative effects on our thoughts and our moods. If all you are seeing on Facebook or Twitter are disheartening stories about the issues of our society, it may be time to set the phone or tablet down. Not only this, but try to rely less on social media for approval or your personal self-confidence. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a selfie when you’re feeling yourself, but don’t allow the amount of likes that you get on a picture determine how your mood is going to be for the day. You look amazing, who cares about the number scripted under your picture.
3. Start Your Day Off Right
Tying back to the concept of less social media, research shows that if you avoid checking your phone for at least fifteen minutes into your morning routine, you are more likely to boost your mood. Yes, this includes Snapchat and your messages. Wake up, open the blinds, make your breakfast, then sit down and allow yourself a few minutes to check your phone. This is a change that many people find extremely beneficial! Also, drinking a glass of lemon water in the morning can help regenerate you and give you the boost of energy that you need. Coffee also recommended.
4. Look at the Bright Side
Much easier said than done, right? Trust me, I know. You hear this quote many times, but it really is such a crucial part of living your life in a more positive light. When something happens in your life, whether it is trivial or detrimental, always try to remain present. You will thank yourself in the end. It’s such a simple idea that seems impossible sometimes, but if you look towards the sunshine, the shadows will eventually fall behind you.
5. Keep a Positivity Journal
When the day is done and you think back on your day, you tend to think about everything that happened. This includes the good, the bad, and the completely pointless memories that will get thrown away tomorrow. Keeping a positivity journal will help you to focus in on the good. It will also help you fall asleep at night if you write just before you go to bed. Instead of obsessing over the negative occurrences in your day, your brain will begin to notice the bright spots in your life. This will dramatically change how you look at things in your everyday routines. If you miss out on a few days, don’t feel bad, just pick up where you left off and keep writing.
You will have days when sinking back into your former habits will sound a lot more appealing, but do not give up! Despite all of the trouble in the world, there is so much to be thankful for. If you are ready to live a more positive life, then it is definitely worth it to start here. There is no harm in having to sift through the gold to find the diamond.
