Let’s face it. Life is hard, often unfair and sometimes too hard to deal with. At times like these, we have two options, from which we can only choose one. Either we drown in despondency, or we rise above it.
If we let ourselves be defeated, we miss the chance for a better future, but if we choose the silver lining to see the clouds, then hope grows for better days.
Every bit of optimism can help, so here are 10 tips to boost the optimism during the dark winter months.
1. Always look for an optimistic view in a negative situation.
Positivity starts with positive thoughts. That is the easiest and most effective building block to start with. If you are overwhelmed with negativity, look for the positive or good in the circumstances. Even a joke about the situation can take the pressure off the kettle, and show everyone the bright side of it.
2. Surround yourself with positive things.
Negativity drains the energy out of you, but the good news is, positivity is contagious. So pay attention to who you spend your time with. Be alert on TV and Series, internet and magazines, because they determine more of your feelings than you would think.
3. Take a step back and take it easy.
If you talk, think and move quickly and inattentive, it causes more problems than you would like. Hurrying also creates stress, which is a breeding ground for negative thoughts. So take it easy. Breathe and think about what you’re doing.
4. Don’t exaggerate.
It is oh so easy to be pessimistic and turn a mouse into an elephant, especially in a conversation that didn’t go well anyway. Step on the brake. Leave the trifles and regain your perspective.
Source: Pixabay6. Give someone else some positivity.
Call it karma or not, but good things come back to you. If you give the people around you a dose of positivity, you can expect positivity in return. A card, gift or compliment can change a person’s day.
7. Work on a healthy lifestyle.
Healthy lifestyles start with a good night’s sleep, fresh and nutritious food and enough exercise. Your lifestyle directly affects your thoughts. It’s logical that you are irritable when you have slept little. Pay attention to your lifestyle and work on it, even if it’s only a small step a day.
8. Learn to view criticism objectively.
The fear of criticism can keep you away from what you really want in life. Criticism can hurt you quite a bit and throw you off balance, but look at it honestly and objectively. Do you have something to work on, or was the other person just wrong for once?
9. Think of problems as challenges.
We all have problems, but the difference between the optimist and the pessimist is that the second sees them as challenges. Bad boss? Then train your patience. If you have a lot to do, you learn to work effectively under pressure. Don’t describe your problems as nightmares, but see what you learn from them.
10. Start your day in a positive way.
Finally, about the morning routine. If you get out of bed with a bad attitude, your whole day will be a mess. Start your morning with a positive approach and you set the tone for the day. Take on the biggest or most difficult task first. Once that’s of the way, you’ll have more room to think about the smaller things.
