Don’t some people seem happier than others? They do right? We often look at them and think they have no problems, but in reality, everyone has their fair share of problems. It may not seem like they do, because everyone’s problems vary. The key is: Perspective is everything, and one can always learn to change the negative outlook.
Why is that? It’s simple, pessimism is a learned behavior, similarly, one can always learn to be optimistic. It is also believed that overly optimistic people tend to be easily put down by circumstances.
Read below to learn some really simple ways to be more optimistic about your life.
Reframe your Frustrations
People who tend to look at the positive side of a failure, a disintegrated relationship, or any overt negative situation, tends to be the core content at the end of the day. After every hurtful encounter, ask yourself this question, “What did I learn from this?” and also “Is this the worst thing to happen to me?” sit down, breathe. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. Remind yourself of 10 blessings, write them down, and repeat them in your head.
Meditate
Research has suggested, that people who meditate have more positive thoughts and emotions than people who don’t. Your brain too needs a break, and sometimes sleeping doesn’t do the job. You may feel like you were restless the whole night, while you were asleep. This usually happens when you are overwhelmed with thoughts, stress, worries and negativity. The key is to take out 20 to 30 minutes every day to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
- Lie down straight on your bed with your hands on either side.
- Close your eyes and remember that the purpose is to free yourself of any negative energy for only a few minutes.
- Clear your mind of any wandering thoughts, and keep meditating.
- Soon at one point you will feel like all the stress is radiating out of your extremities, and you are going into a semi-conscious state.
This is one way of meditation. You can learn many other ways. This works wonders to block the negativity in life, paving way for positivity.
Make a “Happy” List
Every evening, sit down and list down 3 things that made you happy that day. Research suggests that doing this has a great effect on one’s perspective and lasting effects on the mood. It does this by bringing into focus, that not all in life at that point is bad; it brings light to all the things one can and should be grateful for and not take for granted. It helps realize that being positive is more fun than just pondering and causing yourself to be fatigued about the negatives.
Live by the “one-day principle”
It’s okay to think about the future, but too much worrying just ruins it for you. Therefore, live every day like it’s your last. When you think like that, you tend to stop worrying about the past and think less about what is going to happen in the future. This also helps you realize the importance of the gift of life, and may also sometimes force you to ponder over the important things in life.
Find Positive Friends
Not all people we hang out with may want the best for us. The key is to find friends who do not constantly criticize you or bring you down. You know how they say, “if you want to soar with the eagles, you’ve got to stop hanging out with the ducks.” Moral? Go find yourself some eagles! It might be a trek, but it will be totally worth it!
Always remember that no matter what, the sun is always shining above the clouds. In the same way, there’s always something better for you around the corner. You just have to take a few simple steps and make it happen.