Over the years, I’ve realized that it is much easier to think negatively than positively. And times like the COVID-19 pandemic have made it even difficult to keep up with the optimistic attitude when so much is happening around.
If you too have a penchant for detecting and dwelling on the negative, it's no cause for alarm. In fact, you are simply a product of intelligent human design whereby bad overpowers good. We, humans, were designed to be intensely aware of negative circumstances and consequences as it helped our ancestors survive.
While this tendency may serve us in situations related to survival, it can cause us stress in our day-to-day lives. So the question becomes: How do we change this?
Follow the suggestions below to make the positives in your life “stick”
Self-talk
Become more aware of your negative self-talk and begin to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. For instance, the phrase “There is no way it will work,” is very negative. Try replacing it with a more positive statement, such as, “I can try to make it work.”
| Negative self-talk | Positive thinking |
| I've never done it | Let me learn something new |
| This is so complex | Let me set priorities and handle them in an alternate way |
| I am too lazy to do this | I am motivated to accomplish my tasks on time |
| I don’t think I can do it | I should give it a try |
| Changes scare me | Fear is just a feeling so it can’t keep me from achieving great things |
| No one wants to talk to me. | I'll stay open-minded and find engaging ways of communication |
| Maybe I should give up | I have the ability to master anything in my control |
Affirming Lists
Making lists of positive aspects of yourself can help make you feel more confident about yourself and the life you lead. Try writing down five of your strengths or things you admire about yourself. Refer to the list often.
Do Something That Makes You Happy
It may be difficult to cut out time for yourself, especially if you are very busy. Make a list of small things you can do each day that will make you happy, such as treating yourself to a great cup of coffee or tackling a crossword puzzle during your lunch break. Commit to doing one of these things each day.
Positive Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that you make about yourself. They describe how you would like to feel about yourself all the time, but not necessarily how you feel in the moment. Make a list of yours and keep it handy. Read the affirmations aloud and write them down from time to time. For instance, your affirmations may include “I feel good about myself” and “I spend time with people who care about me and make me feel good about myself.”
Practice Leads To Perfection
Though it is nearly impossible for a pessimist to become an optimist overnight, practicing positive thinking daily can help you become less critical and gain self-acceptance.
Take each thought as it comes, increase awareness, have fun along the way, and change the way you think.
Take Breaks From News Channels & Social Media
Sometimes news channels and social media can blow your mind because they might fill your head with too much information, most of which isn’t even authentic. Limit the toxicity and relax by doing some exercises and writing your thoughts in a journal.
You may also like:Tips To Stay Happy At work!
Why is it So Important to Stay Positive?
- Positivity is good for relationships- When you are positive you tend to attract positive people and your surroundings make you enjoy life at the best. It helps you have an open mindset and enhances connections with those around you. Positivity has had a vital impact on corporate relations to a great extent.
- Helps you achieve your goals- Positive thinking is more powerful than you realize. It pulls out the negative aspects from your mind, gives your thoughts clarity, and hence you start grabbing opportunities without being judgemental about it. Ultimately, you will be grateful for allowing better things in your life and it will make your heart warm.
- Leads you to a happy lifestyle- When you are happy, everything starts falling in place because it gives a boost to your confidence and self-esteem that further leads you towards a blissful life. A happy lifestyle gives you reasons to always look forward to something and makes each day mean more.
- Increased immunity- According to a study, positivity has helped articulate the meaning of health and well-being. Your optimistic attitude and thoughts can have a powerful influence on your health and boost the immune system. It can result in a reduction of stress, improved cholesterol levels, and lower risk of conditions like heart disease.
You may also like: Managing Fear and Anxiety During COVID-19
You Have Nothing To Lose
It’s never too late to lift your spirits and change your direction for a good cause. If you are going through a rough patch- It’s OK to ask for help because it’s impossible to know everything. That’s why experts exist. Reaching out to our therapists on The Wellness Corner app can help you keep a positive attitude. They have handled different situations and their experience can help you look at things from a fresh and new perspective. Don’t drown and get carried away thinking certain situations just won't change, all you have to do is- TRY and know that you are being guided in the right direction.
“Virtually nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude.”-Lou Holtz