We choose the way we respond to what happens to us. Though life can present us with challenges that feel insurmountable, there are many ways to maintain an attitude that will help you thrive in difficult circumstances. A positive attitude allows people to see a way through the difficult circumstances that life presents.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
Having positive people around you is one of the best ways to maintain a positive attitude. Spending your time with people who focus on what is going well will make you try to fit in and be liked by others. Positive attitudes are contagious.
Meditate On Your Blessings
Sit comfortably and quietly in one spot with your eyes closed for 15 minutes each day. Focus on your breathing and reflect on the good things that have come into your life. If a negative thought emerges in your mind, try to replace it with a positive one. Do not indulge in worrying or feeling angry or sorry for yourself when doing this exercise.
Write Gratitude Lists
After reflecting on your blessings in meditation, you can write them down in a daily gratitude list. Robert Emmons, in a recently published book "The Compassionate Instinct," describes how a group of people that did so felt better about their lives and were more optimistic regarding the future than those who wrote about things that irritated them or anything that came to mind.
Laugh More
Joke more often. Laughing can help you feel more optimistic. Laughter therapy is formally practiced by many people and laughter clubs have been created to draw people together for a laugh. Laughter therapy uses childlike play and breathing exercises to help people laugh for no real reason. Your body does not know whether your laughter is real or fake, but it will ease any tension. People join laughter clubs to practice laughter therapy techniques with others in group settings. The phrase "laughter is the best medicine for the soul" exists for a reason.
Eat Well
Make sure to consume a diet rich with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein sources. Drink lots of water, juice and tea. Taking care of yourself physically can go a long way in helping you to feel more positive emotionally.
Exercise
Exercising releases endorphins, which are hormones that help you feel happier and more positive. It doesn't matter what form of exercise you do, just that you enjoy whatever it is. Play tennis, ride your bike, practice yoga or take a walk.
Practice Generosity
Doing acts of kindness for others can greatly increase your satisfaction about life. Open the door for a stranger. Help an elderly person cross the street. Give compliments to family members. All these actions are positive and can help you maintain a positive attitude.
References
- HealthAndGoodness: How To Have a Positive Attitude in 7 Simple Steps
- "The Compassionte Instinct: The Science of Human Goodness"; Robert Emmons; 2010
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