Numerous studies show that optimists are physically as well as psychologically healthier than pessimists, but we all know that staying optimistic isn’t always easy. How do we stay positive when we are bombarded with negativity all day? How do we stay optimistic when our brain is hardwired towards the negative?
Staying optimistic and focusing on the positive can be a challenge, but what’s the alternative? If we give in to the negativity of the world, our health suffers, our performance suffers and our mental state of mind goes down the drain.
The truth is that we do have control over our outlook on life and research shows that it is possible to find our way to the sunnier side of life by continually practicing a few simple and easy skills. From surrounding ourselves with laughter to slightly altering our words and taking care of our body, all of us can reap the benefits of being an optimist.
Here are our TOP 10 tips to stay optimistic even if life throws us a curveball.
#1 Take Time to Recharge
It’s very difficult to be optimistic when our batteries are empty, so it is essential that we take the time every single day to recharge, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Turn off your phone, shut down your computer and silence the voices in your head. Whether you have a meditation practice or any other mindfulness practice, make sure you enjoy the stillness and the calm and see how you are really doing on the inside.
#2 Find an Optimistic Viewpoint in a Negative Situation
One of the easiest, but also most effective ways to stay optimistic is to ask ourselves more helpful questions. When you are in a negative situation – maybe you’ve made a mistake or stumbled in some sort of way – ask yourself what is one thing that is positive about this situation and what is one opportunity that I can find in this situation. Sure, it’s not always easy to find the positive in a negative situation, but with practice and patience there is always a lesson to take away that is positive and brings optimistic thinking within reach.
#3 Cultivate a Positive Environment
Who we choose to spend time with and what input we get from the internet, TV and media has a huge impact on our outlook on life. In order to be able to stay optimistic it is necessary to have positive influences in our life that support us and lift us up instead of dragging us down. Eliminate negative people and sources of information from your life as much as possible and instead surround yourself with optimistic, empowering, uplifting people and sources of information. You’ll be amazed how much more optimistic your life will be.
#4 Imagine the Person You Want to Be
Think about the ideal version of yourself on a physical, emotional, professional and personal level. Most of us have no idea what we really want, but we have a nagging feeling that we don’t have it. Having a clear image of what excites and motivates you will give you the push you need to get things done and energizes you with positive thoughts. Figure out your ideal version of you and act according to that image.
#5 Don’t Let Ideals Ruin You
When you are trying to make a shift towards the positive, don’t fall into the common trap of thinking that you have to be perfect and do everything perfectly all the time. This only prevents you from being optimistic. Changing to an optimistic attitude is a gradual process and we all slip and stumble from time to time. However, if you beat yourself up over a slip, you won’t get anywhere. Instead, embrace your flaws and continue forward because over time you will strengthen your optimistic viewpoint more and more.
#6 Stop Brainwashing Yourself
Words – whether we speak them out loud or they are just in our head – are extremely powerful and direct our point of view. Talking to others or yourself about the things you can’t do always becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you are hyper-focused on the negative, it’s virtually impossible to create a win. So start by shifting your words towards the positive to get positive results and stop brainwashing yourself with negative thoughts and speech.
#7 Add Value to Someone Else’s Life
You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth mentioning again. What you send out, you tend to get back. Well, not from everyone and not all the time, but what you do send out to the world matters, a lot. So if you want to be more optimistic, give value to someone else’s life and spread the optimism. Whether you lend a helping hand to a friend who’s moving, listen to a family member’s problems or simply boost someone else’s mood by smiling and giving hugs more often, do whatever you can to send out positivity.
#8 Exercise Regularly and Eat and Sleep Well
This is of course very obvious, but a lot of people forget to take care of themselves. However, if you want to eliminate negative thoughts, the #1 rule is to make sure that you get a good workout in, get a good night’s sleep and eat well. Sure, it sounds a lot easier than it’s done, but it’s not rocket science either. And once you do make exercise, sleep and a well-balanced diet a priority, your thinking will become a lot clearer and you are much more optimistic.
#9 Start Your Day in an Optimistic Way
How we start our day sets the tone for the rest of the day, so pay close attention to your morning routine. If you go full speed from the get go, get lost in the troubles of your mind and allow negative media influence your mood, you’ll be stressed out and negativity will ramp up quickly. On the other hand, if you take your time in the morning, fill your mind with positivity, meditate, move, read, listen and have uplifting conversations with family and friends, your day will go a whole lot different and positivity will show up in a big way.
#10 Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude
Taking the time to contemplate what you are grateful for isn’t just the right thing to do, research shows that it also reduces the level of the stress hormone cortisol by up to 23%. Study after study reveals that people who have a daily gratitude practice experience improved mood and energy and are substantially less stressed and anxious. So take some time every day and focus on the positive in your life. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, just 60 seconds a day will give you amazing results.
Maintaining an optimistic outlook is a daily challenge that requires our attention and focus. It is essential to be intentionally focused on staying positive and optimistic to overcome our brain’s tendency to focus on the negative. Keep in mind, staying optimistic won’t just magically happen overnight and it won’t happen by accident. We have to cultivate the skills for positivity consistently to stay healthy, happy and productive.
ADOPT A GLASS-HALF-FULL ATTITUDE
Joschi & Monika
#BoldNaked
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