It’s important to cultivate a positive and optimistic mindset when navigating day to day life. Now that doesn’t mean being toxically positive, trying to see the positive even in the most negative moments. On the contrary- maintaining an optimistic mindset can include acknowledging and validating hardships, whilst also focusing and acknowledging all the positive and wonderful things that are happening in your life.
Here are a few ways to maintain a positive and optimistic mindset:
- Gratitude: You can practice gratitude by simply growing more aware of all the things that are happening in your life that you are thankful for. You can do this either by investing in a gratitude journal, or simply by including gratitude in your routine.
- Invite awareness to every moment: When we are present and aware whilst navigating life, we are more likely to notice the more subtle and small nuances that could bring us joy.
- Challenge negative thoughts and beliefs: When you notice yourself engage in negative self-talk or beliefs surrounding yourself and the world, try to be more aware and try to challenge those beliefs or label them so that they don’t interfere with your psyche.
- Increase Joy: Ask yourself what truly brings you happiness, calm, and purpose, and do more of it! When we intentionally create lives filled with activities, people, and places that bring us joy, we are more likely to have a more positive outlook on life
- Be kind to others: research shows that when we treat others with kindness and give from our time and energy, we tend to feel more positively about ourselves and our lives. This could be anything from buying a friend or a colleague a cup of coffee, to volunteering with a population you care about, to just smiling at a passerby.
If you’re noticing that it may be harder to cultivate a more positive and optimistic outlook on life, and you’ve tried all the above tips and feel exhausted and helpless, then it may be time to discuss this with a professional. At times, we can do everything to elevate our lives and mental health, but there may be a reason that’s beyond our control that’s leaving us feeling stuck. You are not alone- you can lean on other’s to create more optimism in your life.
Contact one of our therapists today to schedule a free consultation.