Whether you are a born pessimist or you just struggle with negative thinking from time to time, there are certain actions you can take to improve your outlook. Positive thinking becomes easier as you develop some new habits. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results because changing your thinking often takes time and effort. Just begin building your positive perspective one thought and one action at a time.
Count Your Blessings
A sure way to turn your thoughts positive when reflecting on the past or thinking about your current situation is to dwell on all the reasons you have to be thankful. Keep a list if it helps. Think about the good things you have experienced. Dwell on the positive emotions, positive images and positive people who come to mind. At the end of the day, reflect on the things that gave you joy.
Show Kindness
You can probably recall times when doing a good deed for someone else has boosted your mood. Clinical studies also support the idea that kindness toward others may help with positive thinking. For example, a group of positive psychologists reported a study in the 2006 Journal of Happiness Studies that suggests people become happier by displaying kindness to others, especially if they keep track of their kind acts.
Forgive
Carrying a grudge can turn you into a negative, bitter person. Find an effective way to let go of past hurts or wrongs so they are not controlling you any more. When you forgive, you may feel as though you have let go of a heavy burden. The act of forgiveness leads to freedom and often takes away all sorts of negative thoughts.
Fill Your Mind With the Positive
Engage in positive self-talk, which only you hear, but also add more positive words and phrases to your conversations. Surround yourself with positive people, and pay attention to what it is that draws you these people. Emulate those good traits. Listen to uplifting music and read uplifting books. You can make your own set of affirmation cards. Collect positive phrases, adages and affirmations. Write each one on an index card and review them during spare moments, or post them where you’ll read them often.
Exercise
Not only is it good for your body, physical activity is beneficial to your mind as well. Exercise, which can help you relax and get rid of that tired, sluggish feeling, is associated with an enhanced mood and overall well being. According to the University of California, systematic exercise can have positive psychological benefits, as people who exercise experience a sense of personal mastery and positive self-regard.
References
- University of California: Using Exercise to Enhance Your Mood
- The Benefits of Positive Thinking: How to Become a Positive Person
- Pepperdine University: Putting Performance and Happiness Together in the Work Place
- Journal of Happiness Studies: Happy People Become Happier Through Kindness
- West Virginia University Extension: The Art of Getting Along
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