Ten Tips to Stay Positive in a Negative World

Have you ever been around one those people that’s the consummate “Pessimistic Patty”?

They don’t always have to be like that and if you find yourself going down that path, there are things you can do to help turn that around.

First, accept that we all go through negative thinking some of the time; the trick is to not stay there. Like driving the wrong way down a one-way street, you want to get out as soon as possible! The research clearly shows that it is possible to turn the frown upside down.

Here are some of the things that have helped me:

1. Listen to uplifting music.
2. Develop an “attitude of gratitude”: First thing in the morning and last thing at night, express at least 3 things you are grateful for by writing them down.
3. Create a “book of positive moments” in which you write down everything that goes right in your world each day. List everything you see around you that you can be grateful for. It’s not possible to stay negative when you are feeling gratitude.
4. Use affirmations. An affirmation is basically anything you say, so you want to be feeding yourself positive affirmations throughout the day when you encounter a stressful situation — “I can do this…”
5. Watch your language. When you find yourself expressing something in the negative, change your language to positive. It can literally be like learning a new language. Many years ago, I used to be a very cynical person and that was reflected in my language. Once I learned the power of our words and thoughts, I started changing my language and so can you. When asked how I’m doing, rather than list a litany of complaints, I learned to focus on what was going right in my life. It takes time, and practice, until it becomes a habit.
6. Re-evaluate the people you hang around… Do your friends or co-workers reinforce negative thinking? If so, perhaps you should find new ones ASAP. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Jim Rohn
7. Smile: it actually changes your body chemistry. Research in the U.K. found that smiling can be as stimulating as receiving up to $25,000 in cash! Smiling also has therapeutic effects such as reducing stress hormones, increasing health and lowering blood pressure.
8. Do power poses: Watch this TED talk by Amy Cuddy on the effectiveness of Power Poses.
9. Perform an act of kindness for someone, whether you know them or not. It can make their, and your, day too.
10. Volunteer: get outside of yourself. Helping others makes it easier to count your blessings.

What else have you found that pulls you out of negativity? Please share….