It isn’t always easy to look on the bright side…. especially when the world seems dark and dreary. Add in recent world events and the fact that humans have a negativity bias (our brains tend to fixate on negative information) and it can be downright difficult to be a positive person. Remember: difficult does not mean impossible! There are many ways to infuse your life with positivity. Not sure where to start? Here are five easy ways to welcome in the positive.
Get Positive by Considering What You Consume
Information is easier to access than ever before. There are 24-hour news channels, regularly updated websites, and a never-ending barrage of social media posts. Sometimes, it can all feel like too much. Looking to be a more positive person? Be extremely mindful about what you consume. Over the last several years, many of us have fallen into the habit of “doomscrolling,” which is a new term that describes the habit of scrolling through bad news, even when that news is upsetting. Since our brains are already wired to fixate on negative information, scrolling through post after post of disheartening news is something we may do without even realizing it.
The solution? Start being more intentional about what you consume. If reading the news is negatively impacting your mental health, take a break. If social media makes you feel less than, limit how often you use it or unfollow any accounts that trigger a sense of lack. Follow positive accounts that make you smile instead! It is important to prioritize your health and happiness. Worried that you will miss out on essential information if you don’t check in with the news regularly? Ask someone you trust to update you on a need-to-know basis.
Spend a Few Minutes Reading Each Day
Has your schedule been a little busy lately? Maybe some of your favourite pastimes have been impossible to squeeze into your day. Well, there are many reasons to make time for a good book. Studies have shown that reading for five to ten minutes each day can benefit your mental and physical health. Not only does it help you feel more grounded and peaceful, but a few minutes of reading can improve your quality of sleep and reduce your stress levels. Bonus? It can also give you a more positive outlook on life and create a deeper sense of balance.
Do what you can to incorporate reading into your day. Even a few minutes here and there can make a notable difference! Read something adventurous and exciting to help you get out of your world a little bit or look for books that will assist you on your spiritual journey. There are many books related to new age practices, spirituality, and religion. Alternatively, you can look for a self help book to boost your mood or tackle a specific area of your life. Whatever you choose, make sure that it brings positivity and joy to your day.
Have a Positivity Plan in Place
Sometimes, it is best to have a plan in place…even when it comes to positivity. When you are upset, disappointed, or overwhelmed, it is difficult to take steps towards positivity. Staying in that negative mindset can feel a whole lot easier. However, having a plan in place ahead of time means you will be ready and able to welcome in the positive. Ready to start planning? Take some time now to ask yourself the following questions and create your positivity plan of action:
- Which friends or family members make you feel good about yourself? Who has been able to lift you up in the past? Create a short list of loved ones that you can reach out to when you need an extra boost of positivity.
- What strategies have been useful in the past to refocus your mind? Write down anything and everything that has worked before to shift your mindset from negative to positive.
- What creative outlets or activities make you feel more balanced? Some examples include: painting, writing, playing a game, or going for a walk. Knowing what works well beforehand means you will be prepped and ready to welcome in the positive.
Journal or Recite Positive Affirmations
When it comes to positivity, words are extremely powerful. They can shape how we think and feel, so don’t be afraid to get expressive. One way to do just that is by journaling. This can be a wonderful way to connect to yourself, sort through your emotions from the day, let out anything that is bothering you, and recommit to gratitude. Though there are no rules when it comes to journaling, sometimes a good format to follow is: recap what happened, write out all feelings related to the event, and circle back to gratitude or lessons learned. Ending each journal entry on a positive note tells your brain that even when you experience difficult situations, there is always hope for positivity. Another option is to write a short gratitude list each day.
Positive affirmations can also be extremely useful. The words you think and speak are meaningful, so do your best to speak with positive intention. There are many different affirmations that can be used, depending on your situation, but some examples include:
- I am a wonderful, loving, and positive person.
- I make the world a better place.
- Nothing is too much for me to handle.
Clear Your Home of Negative Energy
Still looking for ways to welcome in the positive? Make sure your home, office, car, and any other space that you frequent is a positive and uplifting place. There are many different ways to do this. For instance, you can always do a deep clean or change out your décor. Sometimes, those little changes can significantly shift the energy in a space. Add some bright yellow throw pillows to your couch, hang a nature painting on the wall, use a new air freshener scent, or incorporate crystals thoughtfully into your favourite spaces.
It is also possible remove unwanted negative energies by burning either sage or palo santo. You can also use an essential oil room spray or set an intention for the room (An example: “My intention is to cleanse away any energies that are no longer serving me, so I can be more positive and productive in this space”). Alternatively, you can add plants to your home to purify the air. There are many different ways to freshen up your environment. Do whatever feels right!
Use These Tools to Welcome in the Positive
Positivity may not always come easy, but it is always within reach. Whether you choose to cut back on social media , read a little bit each day, create a positivity plan, be thoughtful about your words, or cleanse your home…one thing is certain: a more positive outlook is in your future.
