
Catch the negative thoughts | This one takes a little bit of practice as often, you're not even aware of negative thoughts, but trying to notice when you're being unnecessarily negative can be a really important step towards improving your outlook. When I catch a negative thought, I try to work out where it's come from, and then consciously replace it with a positive thought. So that might look a little something like this:
• Negative thought: I didn't get the job I interviewed for, I'm never going to get the job I want.
• Why am I thinking this?: I'm disappointed that I wasn't successful this time because I really liked the sound of the job. It's okay to be disappointed but that's not going to stop me!
• Replace with a positive thought: It was good to gain the interview experience and the feedback. I know I'm heading in the right direction, it's just a case of time and getting more work experience. Out of so many applicants, I did well to get an interview at all!
Make a happy playlist | Something as simple as five songs to listen to while you do your hair and make-up or on the way to work can really make a difference to how your day goes; pick songs that have happy memories for you or just ones that make you smile, and listen to them. This is such an easy way to pick your mood up when you're feeling a bit low and can help you get into the habit of starting your day off with a bit of positivity.

Be thankful | It can be so easy to get caught up in things you'd like to have, that you forget to appreciate what you already have. Yes, a new lipstick/dress/car might be lovely, but there's so much to be grateful for in everyday life. I try to make the effort to think of five things I'm grateful for each night, which I tend to do as I'm getting ready for bed, though you could try jotting them down in a notebook or journalling them if that's your cup of tea. Sometimes it's things as simple as having enough food to eat and a beautiful dog who's always pleased to see me, other times it might be catching up with a friend I've not spoken to in a while, or hearing a song on the radio at just the right time. It's so refreshing to take a minute or two to refocus on what's important and how lucky we really are.
Just to reiterate, these are all things I've found work well for me to help me stay in a positive frame of mind, but obviously we're all different and what works for me might not necessarily be helpful for you! That said, this might give you a few ideas for starting off towards becoming a more optimistic person - do you have any tips to add? Have you found any of these ideas helpful in keeping yourself in a positive mindset?
xo
I have to say I find music really helps me, I have certain feel good songs that I play when I'm not feeling great and they really help :) xxx Thou Shalt Not Covet
ReplyDeleteI love this! I always find headphones in and a walk helps me destress :) I try and do all of these things when I can. xxx
ReplyDeleteI find switching everything off, picking up my book, getting into bed and ignoring everyone/thing really helps me... or going for a very long walk x
ReplyDeleteCrafting is a big help for me - having something to focus on stops my mind from wandering too far into dark places. Gardening to the radio is a new thing for me but it helps, it gets me outside and the results make it worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteThere is some great tips here! I get stress free when I knit. I don't have time to think negative thoughts :)
ReplyDeleteLaura
Pink Frenzy
I do a few of these things as I suffer from Bipolar and they really help to just take me out of a mild bad place, sadly they can't work all the time because my illness just takes over but its such a great post to do and I hope it inflicts some positivity onto others xxx
ReplyDeleteCharli | Beauty and Lifestyle Blogger at CHARLI B
Great tips! I agree with the happy playlist, it makes a difference! :)
ReplyDeleteFrankie x
Crazyblondegal
I LOVE your tips and this post. I think its so important to catch those nasty negative thoughts and get rid of them immediately!
ReplyDeleteI've always said I'd generally be a less happy person if I didn't have a bath in my house - that can work wonders for my mood!
ReplyDeletei started being more positive last year after getting rid of the things that has made me negative. it definitely lifted a hugeeee weight off my shoulders and i feel great!
ReplyDelete