The number of ways to turn your negative thinking around is practically limitless. There truly are tons of little tricks you can employ to turn self-criticism or negativity around. However, thinking of such tactics and using them when you’re feeling down can be a real challenge. Fortunately, you’re not on your own here. These seven tips for cultivating positive thinking habits can be your guide to begin a practice of productive vision to guide your life.
Say an Affirmation
Daily affirmations are a wonderful practice for cultivating positivity in your life. An affirmation is simply a positive statement. When you say affirming things to yourself, you eventually begin to believe them. These simple, concise sentences are incredibly powerful and can quickly turn your thinking around when you need a boost.
Engage in an Activity You Love
If you’re feeling stuck in a pool of negative thoughts, one sure way to push them aside is to engage in something you enjoy. By physically changing your location and activity, you can shift your mindset. It’s hard to be a Negative Nelly when you’re having fun. So grab that book you’ve wanted to read or head to the nearest ice cream shop for a sweet pick-me-up.
Surround Yourself with Good Vibes
Hanging out with upbeat people is a sure way to chase away the blues. Your friends are usually a good source of perspective. Sure, they’re likely to tell you good things. They’ll also tell you the truth. After all, they know various aspects of your personality, and they wouldn’t hang out with you if there weren’t good qualities in your personality. Spending time with happy people is also likely to spread that positivity to you. Happiness is contagious, you know?
Smile
Yes, seriously. Just smile. That’s all you have to do. Our brains are wired to recognize this universal symbol as a sign of happiness. If you are able to plaster a smile on your face as you go through your day, your mood may soon follow its lead. It may seem silly or simple, but it works.
Help Someone Out
Instead of focusing on your own difficult situation or problem, why not consider ways you could help someone else? Stepping out of yourself allows you to forget your troubles for a while, and doing something nice generates all kinds of feel-good chemicals in your brain. You’ll probably also gain perspective on life and strengthen a friendship. If you’re helping a charitable group or stranger, you can also benefit by creating new networks and bonds.
Walk Tall
Another way to trick your mind into being more positive is to change your posture. When we’re down, our body usually reflects that through slumping or slouching. If you stand tall with your chin up instead, you’ll instantly feel more confident. Stride through your day with a spring in your step and watch your foul mood disappear. It really works.
Take a Humor Break
As with other strategies, actually removing yourself from one situation and moving to another can be quite useful. When you’re indulging in pessimism and need to break out of the cycle, find some humor. Even just a half hour television comedy can be the best medicine. Better yet, finding funny friends to cheer you up is always a good idea.
Give any of these seven tips for cultivating positive thinking a try. You’ll never know what a difference they can make until you give them a shot.
