*DISCLOSURE* This post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
It’s often easy to focus on the positive aspects of life when things are going well. When stress is low and emotional burdens are limited, positivity seems to flow freely, and optimism is easy to find. However, when life’s challenges create difficult circumstances, it can become much harder to find that positivity. That presents its own challenge because it tends to be the most difficult times of life when people need positivity and optimism the most. This post will look at some of the ways that you can find positivity, even when surrounded by negativity.
The power of mindset
Your perspective on life's hurdles can significantly influence your ability to navigate them with resilience and optimism. A powerful strategy for improving mindset is the practice of gratitude. By focusing on the aspects of your life for which you are thankful, you can shift your attention away from negativity and towards appreciation. Keeping a gratitude journal, where you spend time each day writing down things you're grateful for, can be a simple yet effective way to cultivate this mindset. The challenge comes on bad days when you’re surrounded by negativity. Even on those days, try your best to think of at least one or two things you are grateful for or happy about.
Another powerful tool is the use of positive affirmations and mindful self-talk. Regularly affirming your strengths, worth, and potential helps rewire your brain to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Examples of affirmations might include statements like "I am capable of overcoming any obstacle" or "I choose to find joy in every day." Adopting these practices may help encourage a positive mindset, which can be a significant first step toward maintaining long-lasting positivity.
Positive relationships spark positivity
The people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your outlook on life. Positive relationships act as a source of support, encouragement, and joy, especially during tough times. It's crucial to assess your social circle and identify relationships that uplift you versus those that may drain your energy. This may involve setting boundaries with or even distancing yourself from negative influences while making an effort to strengthen and build connections with those who inspire positivity.
Actively seeking out and creating new positive relationships is also important. This can be achieved by joining clubs, groups, or online communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests or positive outlook on life. Engaging in these positive social interactions can provide a sense of belonging and support, reinforcing your efforts to introduce more positivity into your life. It is okay to limit social interactions with those who don’t uplift you. While everyone has to deal with negative people occasionally, it will likely be helpful to limit the amount of negative relationships in your life.
Prioritize your joy-producing activities
Dedicating time to hobbies and interests that bring you joy is a powerful way to counterbalance the stresses of daily life. Whether it’s painting, hiking, reading, or gardening, these activities offer a respite and a source of personal satisfaction. It often takes deliberate effort to prioritize enjoyable activities during difficult times, but it is likely that effort will be rewarded.
Exploring new hobbies or revisiting past ones that you’ve neglected can also open up avenues for joy and excitement. The process of learning and discovery itself can be incredibly uplifting. Additionally, spending time in nature has been shown to have a profound effect on mental health, reducing stress and enhancing mood. Incorporating mindfulness practices during these activities can further amplify their positive impact, helping you to fully immerse in the present moment and appreciate the beauty and tranquility around you. Any activity, as long as it brings you joy and isn’t harmful in the long run, is likely to be helpful when introducing positivity.
Maintain good self-care
Introducing positivity into your life extends beyond mindset and social interactions; it also involves making conscious lifestyle adjustments. Prioritizing your physical health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep lays the foundation for mental and emotional well-being. These basic elements of self-care work together to enhance your mood, energy levels, and resilience against stress.
Additional self-care routines are also likely to be helpful. Allocating time for activities that nourish your soul and body, whether it's a relaxing bath, meditation, or engaging in a creative endeavor, can significantly boost your self-esteem and overall happiness. You might also find that decluttering your physical and digital environments can lead to a clearer mind and a more serene living space, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. Decorating your space in a soothing way may also be helpful.
For more help developing self-care routines or anything else related to positivity, you may want to consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance. A therapist or other professional can help you find paths to positivity using evidence-based techniques, like solution-focused therapy, a psychotherapeutic method common in positive psychology. For more information on how solution-focused therapy works, check out this article from BetterHelp:
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/therapy/is-solution-focused-brief-therapy-right-for-me/
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