Positivity is one of the keys to unlock a happy, healthy, and thriving life. Research has shown the many benefits of positive thinking, which range from better mental dispositions to longer life spans. It’s especially important in a time like now, where the COVID-19 pandemic feels like a dark cloud looming over us at all times.
Like most beautiful and worthwhile things, creating a positive mindset takes time – it’s a practice that should be honed consistently. Here are some things that you can do to create a positive mindset:
Have a gratitude journal
Writing in a gratitude journal is an uplifting practice because firstly, you take time to remind yourself of your blessings, and secondly, you create a physical manifestation of them that you can easily look back on. When you find yourself fixating on negative thoughts, just reach out for your gratitude journal to cheer yourself up. It can show you just how much the good can outweigh the bad.
Pay attention to how you talk to yourself
Because of the pressure you face in day-to-day life, it can be easy to be self-critical. Don’t normalize talking down to yourself. Instead, lift yourself up the way you do others – speak with only kind, gentle, and forgiving words. It may seem simple, but it makes all the difference for your self-image and self-esteem.
Give yourself affirmations
Following the same grain of being kind to yourself, give yourself affirmations. It’s a quick and easy practice you can do everyday. Stand in front of a mirror and say your affirmations. You can just go with your own flow, or structure it with certain prompts like saying you’re most grateful for, saying what you admire about yourself, and so on.
Catch negative thoughts and reframe them
When negativity becomes second nature, it can be difficult to spot it. Train yourself to weed out negative thoughts instantly, and replace them with positive ones. It doesn’t have to be a completely different grain; a change in perspective is enough. For example, instead of saying “I hate rainy weather,” say “I am grateful for a roof above my head that protects me from the storm.”
Nourish your body
Your brain and body are so intimately interconnected; In order for you to create a positive mind, you have to nourish your body. Create a healthier lifestyle that you can sustain long-term. It doesn’t have to happen overnight; Give your body kindness and patience – taking small steps in your diet and exercise routine count greatly because they’ll amount to an overall better you.
Spend time in nature
The busy day-to-day tasks of your professional and personal life can get overwhelming – being in nature can remind you of just how much bigger the world is than your current problems. It has cleansing, nourishing, and healing powers that can give you just the right clarity and perspective you need to create a more positive headspace.
