Life can be hard at times and it may sometimes become difficult to remain optimistic. At such times, troubles burden our shoulders to the point that we can barely see or look at the brighter side. Everyone and, I am sure, you have also gone through similar phase in your life. However, it is pointless to fret, for it is just a phase in life that is going to pass like everything else.
When hit by pessimism, we can only help our self and no one else can. If you want to get out of that phase and embrace your happy self again, you should start thinking positive. Read on to know the 11 Great Ways To Stay Optimistic in Tough Times.
Contents
KEEP A DIARY
Every day for a month, write down ten things for which you are thankful. Choose an attractive bound journal or cover a plain book in photos you love. Not only is it a great way to become a more thankful person[1], but it’s good to read through in your low moments.
MAKE ONE GOOD DECISION
Paulo Coelho has said:
“Life was always a matter of waiting for the right moment to act.“
Make a decision today to change one thing and one thing only[2]. Make the change, then when you’ve achieved it, think about making another. If you can’t face the big changes like stopping smoking, start small by making an extra 10 minutes for your family each day, or limiting your intake of junk food to once a week.
BOX UP POSITIVITY
Make a collection of quotes, statements, and compliments about being positive or thankful and keep them in a box. Once in a while, get the box out and read through the quotes to help you feel better.
SAY THANK YOU
‘When people give you gifts, however small, send a thank you note. It can be an email or text if’ you’re really pushed for time, but saying thank you makes you stop and think about being grateful, which, in turn, helps you feel more positive.
VOLUNTEER
One of the best ways of helping you get a positive outlook on your own life is to volunteer to help those less fortunate[3] than you. Helping out at special needs groups, shelters or hospitals is a good start. Check the local press or the internet for details of voluntary groups.
ADMIRE YOUR REFLECTION
Make time each week to reflect on the decisions you have made and how they have affected your life positively or negatively. Then make a promise to you to learn from your successes and failures.
TIME ALONE
Don’t be afraid to let your family and friends know if you feel you need some time alone, especially during holidays and festivities. Be honest and say, I could really do with an hour alone: then come back feeling refreshed.
LEARN FROM ANOTHER
Find a story about someone who has less opportunity than you who is nonetheless achieving satisfaction with life. Use their story to help you stay positive about your life and the opportunities you have.
GET CLOSE
Close relationships are important for preventing depression and boosting well being. Most people have around six really close friends who can help them in times of stress, so if you have only one or two make an effort to enlarge your circle.
DON’T LOSE TOUCH
When people are at their busiest and most stressed is often the time when they let friendships drop in order to get things done, but it’s a false economy. Keep a good balance by making time for your friends, however, busy you are.
EMBRACE CHALLENGES
It’s all too easy to be grateful for things like your house, family and loved ones, but remember to be grateful for life’s challenges too. Often, it’s facing challenges that helps uncover hidden strengths.
References: [1] J Happiness Stud. Happy People Become Happier Through Kindness: A Counting Kindness Intervention. 2006 September; 7(3): 361–375.doi: 10.1007/s10902-005-3650-z. PMCID: PMC1820947. NIHMSID: NIHMS13827. [2] Gillick MR. Decision making near life's end: a prescription for change. J Palliat Med. 2009 Feb;12(2):121-5. doi: 10.1089/jpm.2008.0240. [3] James I. Ewing, MD,corresponding author Claude A. Denham, MD, Cynthia R. Osborne, MD, Nathan B. Green, DO, Josephine Divers, RN, and John E. Pippen, Jr., MD. Our experience as a Health Volunteers Overseas–sponsored team in Huê´, Vietnam. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2013 April; 26(2): 137–141. PMCID: PMC3603727.
maria
When it comes to your mind it can play a lot of tricks on you. In fact you may not even realize these tricks until it’s already to late. A good example of this is when we have a lot of time on your hands so you just sit around your house and before you know it your thinking of all the things going wrong in your life.