Thursday, Jan 10, 2019
There's a lot going on in the world right now. Between the news, the community and our personal lives, it can be pretty easy to get overwhelmed.
So how can we brighten our view of the world? Here are ten simple steps to help you transition to a more positive you.
1. Start your day in a positive way.
How you start your day usually sets the tone for the rest of your day. Be careful about how you spend your mornings. Wake up early. Move slowly. Spend time in meditation or prayer; thinking through your day and preparing yourself for what is to come. Take time to physically and mentally prepare yourself for the day. Taking the time to prepare your mind and heart in the mornings will lead to more positive thinking throughout the rest of the day.
2. Practice Gratitude
Maintaining an attitude of gratitude is one of the easiest ways to shift your focus away from negativity. Make a list of all the things in your life that you are truly grateful for. Practicing gratefulness can cause an almost immediate shift in your perspective. Keeping a daily gratitude journal helps you to remember to keep life's blessings at the forefront of your mind.
3. Narrow Down Your To-Do List
Is your to-do list filled with all the items you want to accomplish, but may never get to? Looking at a long list of things that you need to accomplish each morning can be overwhelming and increase stress, fear, and anxiety. Prioritize the items on your list and remove those that cannot be accomplished in that day or week. A good rule of thumb is that on any given day you can only accomplish one big thing, three medium things, and five small things. Narrow your list down to just those nine items. When you are able to finish your day with a completed to-do list you will feel more accomplished, allowing you to get the rest you need to start again with a new list tomorrow.
4. Try Something New
Ever wanted to go zip-lining, hiking, attempt a Pinterest project, or maybe start a business? Now is your chance. Try something new and feel the power that comes with learning and taking chances. Small, scary things can be empowering. Oftentimes our fears only exist because we let them. Find something that intimidates you and conquer it.
5. Unplug
Try turning off your electronics all day and live off the grid. If your job doesn't allow you to unplug completely, set short times that you will allow yourself to use electronics. Instead of looking at your cell phone every 5 minutes wondering if you received a text or notification, check it every few hours. Don't allow yourself to feel like a slave to technology. Even just a few hours each week to yourself will make a huge impact on how you view the world.
6. Practice Positive Posture
The mind and the body are deeply connected - each having a profound impact on the other. Are you struggling to move your mind into a more positive perspective? Try moving your body there first. Stand up straight, shoulders back, chin up, stretching your arms out as wide as they can go. Feel powerful. Feel positive. Carrying yourself with a more positive posture will encourage your mind to follow in a more positive direction.
7. Slow Down
It is easy to get overwhelmed when you go too fast - trying to think, talk, and move around the world too quickly. Slow down, even if just for a few minutes. Forcing yourself to walk, talk, and eat just a little bit slower will allow your mind and body to relax. It will become easier to think things through more clearly and to find the positive in a negative situation.
8. Practice Self-Care
How can your brain be positive if your body is run down and tired? Taking care of yourself both physically and mentally are vital to living a positive lifestyle. Eat healthy, get exercise, rest when needed, and build joyful relationships with friends and family. Make sure you are taking time for yourself whenever you are able. When you feel good, your brain will follow suit.
9. Surround Yourself With Positive People
It's hard to maintain a positive perspective if you are constantly being pulled down by the negativity of friends, family, or co-workers. If you get trapped in a negative conversation, gracefully try to change the subject to something more positive. If you are surrounded by a host of negative people it may be time to reevaluate the people you are allowing in your life. Happiness is contagious. Surround yourself with those who will lift you up.
10. Smile
The simple act of smiling can instantly change your mood - even if you don't have something to smile at. Whether you are sitting at your desk, driving in your car, or walking down the street; smile. You will be amazed at how your mind reacts and your mood shifts.