Having a positive outlook, and overcoming negative thoughts and emotions does not always come naturally. But becoming a positive, optimistic person can improve your quality of life and increase your lifespan. If you are looking to reap the benefits of a happier, healthier lifestyle, here are five ways you can be a more positive person:
Surround Yourself With Positive People
Entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn says that you are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with. It’s important to choose the people you surround yourself with, and to ensure that they bring out the best in you, that they lift you up in difficult moments and are a positive force in your life. Negative people are toxic, and and can mold and inform your outlook on life, and how you see yourself. Life is short, surround yourself with people who are positive, and inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
Practice Gratitude
One way to manage negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones is to practice gratitude. Practicing gratitude never fails to provide and cut dry dose of perspective. What ultimately matters most in life is not what happens, but how you react to it. When you are feeling frustrated, or are in a dark place, think of what you are grateful for. It will usually quell your frustration and some of your sadness, and will help generate positivity when you are feeling low.
Do Something Nice For Someone
One of the fastest ways to feel better about yourself and to produce instant positivity is to do something nice for someone. Whether it is to give some time or money to charity, or do something thoughtful for a family or a friend, doing some good will always make you feel better, and help reassure you that everything is going to be all right.
Stop The Negative Self-Talk
One of the most unproductive ways to deal with a difficult situation is to come down hard on yourself. You are the person you spend the most time with, you need to build yourself up and treat yourself well— the way you would treat a loved one. You need to surround yourself with positive people, but you will never be truly happy and content unless you can manage your negative self-talk, and produce your own positive energy.
Celebrate Everything
Do not wait for a major milestone for celebrations: Did you hit a deadline? Go to the gym? Complete everything on your to-do list? Finally do something you have been putting off for a long time? Did you summon the courage to do something that scares you? Did you have a very difficult, painful conversation? These are all small, every day causes for celebration. Life is not about major moments, it is about your every day, and if you do not take a moment to celebrate your every day accomplishments and joys in life, you’re only savoring a small, small fraction of your life.
