Being more positive should be a breeze, but for some, it can be the hardest part of life. These simple habits, when practiced often, can help you to be more positive and lift your mood.
Life can indeed be tough, which raises the question: why adopt a positive attitude? It’s a valid inquiry.
A positive mindset benefits not just your mental well-being but also your physical health.
An increasing number of research studies suggest that maintaining a positive outlook on life can be beneficial to your health.
The Advantages of a Positive Outlook
A study conducted by Lisa R. Yanek at The Johns Hopkins University has demonstrated that a positive outlook can have a favourable impact on cardiovascular health.
For further information, refer to the Johns Hopkins research study “The Power of Positive Thinking | Johns Hopkins Medicine.”
The study reveals that individuals with a family history of heart disease who maintain a positive outlook are one-third less likely to suffer a heart attack within a span of five to 25 years compared to those with a negative outlook.
1. Smile often ☺
Smiling is a simple way to make you feel better. There are many studies that show smiling releases natural feel good chemicals in your body, such as Serotonin, Endorphins and Dopamine.
By smiling more often, you can lift your mood and feel great! You can’t get any easier than that.
And as a result of smiling more often, you can build better relationships with other people. Smiling helps to lift the mood of others’ wherever you are.
2. Focus on the good👋
A great habit to practise is focusing on the good. You can appreciate the positive aspects of your life.
By focusing on the good things in your life, you become a more positive and optimistic person. It’s much better than the alternative, focusing on the negative.
3. Be grateful 💕
To be grateful means to practice gratitude. This means to recognise the beauty in things, in the present moment.
Look at an object, a tree🌲 and observe the trunk, the branches and leafs. Appreciate the tree for what it is.
But don’t label the tree. Don’t turn it into a degree course. This is awareness only.
Don’t worry about whether it’s a Sycamore or an oak tree. Just recognise and appreciate the beauty of the tree.
For gratitude, you only need to observe and recognise the finer details. And this doesn’t require any knowledge.
4. Enjoy life ☯
Prioritise activities that bring you joy and relaxation, nurturing your mental and emotional well-being.
Spend time with people who radiate positivity and look for uplifting environments.
5. Practice Meditation 🧘♂️
You can practice meditation to cultivate positivity. Meditation helps you to feel calm and peaceful.
Meditation is easy to learn and there are many different types. If you want to learn to meditate, a simple google search – “types of meditation” will give you some ideas. 💡
6. Be more Active 🚲
Exercise helps you to feel positive and it doesn’t need to be a complex daily workout. I find a couple of brisk walks a day makes me feel better.
7. Find a new hobby ⛹
Learning a new hobby can help you to feel positive. The new hobby can be anything from joining a ballroom dancing class to learning Italian. 🇮🇹
The art of learning new skills helps the brain to build new connections and memories that enhance your self esteem.
The new knowledge gained enriches your life and gives you a different perspective on the world. 🌍
Remember, cultivating positivity is a journey, and progress takes time and practice. However, you can only be more positive by making the decision to get started now.
These habits can take time to implement, so don’t become discouraged if they do not work immediately.
References
[1]: https://hub.jhu.edu/gazette/2013/august/positive-outlook-cardio-health/ “”
[2]: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-07-link-positive-outlook-reduction-cardiac.pdf “”
[3]: https://voi.id/en/lifestyle/70726/ “”
[4]: https://www.heroesmediagroup.com/positive-thinking-can-heal/ “”
[5]: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking “”
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