Nowadays, positive thinking has become a popular concept, but what exactly does it imply?
According to Mayo Clinic, positive thinking “doesn’t mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore life’s less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way.”
Fortunately, like every other attitude, positive thinking can be developed. Here are the ten rules to guide you towards positive thinking.
1. Express gratitude every day
A simple routine of expressing gratitude can increase your overall well-being by more than 10 percent. One good habit is to write a gratitude journal every morning. It takes only five to ten minutes of your time, but this practice helps bring long-term benefits to your life.
Start by naming five things you’re grateful for. Try to be as specific as possible because details carry more benefits. Also, try to describe different things each time since there are many things you can be grateful for.
2. Surround yourself with positive people
It is said that you are the culmination of the five people you spend the most time with, so you should carefully consider your core circle of friends. Surrounding yourself with positive people brings more positivity into your life and changes the way you think and act.
Make a point to spend time with happy people who inspire you and avoid spending time with negative people who only drain your energy.
3. Meditate
Meditation is a powerful tool to improve the control of your thought processes. When you meditate, your mind gets clarity and peace that help you concentrate. This state brings a sense of serenity that you couldn’t experience in the outside world.
Sit or lie comfortably, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. If you’re new to this practice, it may be better to find a guided meditation and follow instructions. Remember that it takes some time to get used to meditation, so don’t give up on yourself.
4. Change the perspective
Life brings both positive and negative experiences. Naturally, it’s easy to think positively when everything goes smoothly, but with the first difficulties, we usually tend to repeat our old behavioral patterns. However, in moments like these, it’s crucial to remember that it’s up to you to determine how you’ll perceive your experiences. Moreover, you’re the only one who can change that perspective.
For instance, think of your health issues as an opportunity to improve your nutrition and develop new beneficial habits.
5. Exercise regularly
Physical activity has a potent effect on your mental health. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins– which are chemicals that make you feel good and positive.
Try to include even small changes in your everyday routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or stretching after sitting for a long time. Better yet, go to the gym three times a week or find a physical activity you like and practice it regularly.
6. Turn negative self-talk into positive self-talk
Are you aware of all the thoughts that come to your mind? Are you aware of the impact on negative thoughts on your wellbeing? Maybe you think that one thought of, “I’m so bad at this” or “I shouldn’t have done that” won’t do any harm, but one by one will create a snowball effect.
That’s why whenever you catch yourself in negative thinking, stop it and transform it into positive thinking. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m bad at this” say, “with time and practice, I’ll become better at this.”
7. Ask for help
It’s quite normal to feel overwhelmed from time to time. In such situations, it’s crucial to find support or get help without feeling ashamed or embarrassed.
8. Be flexible
Sometimes things won’t go as you planned. Instead of complaining and whining, try to have an open mind that isn’t only focused on negativities. Being flexible helps you adjust easily to new circumstances and realize other opportunities that can help you overcome any obstacles.
Whenever you feel stuck, try to write down all the options you have. That way, you’ll come up with some useful solutions that will help you feel better and be more optimistic.
