It is not too tough to smile and have a positive frame of mind when life is going smoothly. However, when life serves up lemons, positivity is much harder to muster. Life is full of good and bad times. People are forced to deal with loss, both personal and professional, and it is not easy to put on a smile and pretend like everything is hunky-dory.
During the rough moments, many people feel like throwing their hands up and admitting defeat. It is during those difficult moments when being positive is most important. A positive frame of mind, coupled with positive actions, can come pretty close to saving your sanity sometimes. There are many ways to keep yourself upbeat and positive.
Quotes/thoughts
There are many positive, encouraging quotes out there, find some! Look online or buy a book full of ones that you like. Read a quote each morning when you wake up and one each night before bed. Keep these helpful encouraging words with throughout every day. Let your mind and soul absorb the words and take it to heart.
You could even start a journal and write down your own positive thoughts. If you have trouble coming up with positive words to write, then write down your blessings. Write down everything you are thankful for from bright sunshine to your favorite song.
Reminding yourself of the good things you have can help you to stop focusing on the things you don’t have. This is especially important during times of personal loss. Try not to focus on the death of a loved one but rather the wonderful memories you have of him/her.
Laugh
This is not easy to do during bad times. You may have to force out a little giggle at first and then go from there. If nothing all else fails, you can laugh at the sound of your own fake laugh! The point is to allow yourself to be silly for a few minutes.
So many people feel almost guilty, if things are going badly, and they even think about having a happy moment. The truth is, during bad times you need that laughter the most. It lets you know that you are a survivor and that eventually, things will be okay.
Laughter is, by far, better medicine than being cranky and stressed. A good old fashioned belly laugh feels good and it can be extremely contagious. You may just end up making someone else’s day a little brighter just by the sound of your laughter.
Exercise
Physical activity can really boost your energy levels and give you something to focus on. Walking, jogging and dancing are all great forms of exercise and each one is free. Choosing exercise methods that are cost-free will give you one less thing to worry about.
You can do any of these exercises alone and have time to clear your head and enter the “sweat it out zone”. You can also opt for doing any type of exercise with friends. Not only will your mind and soul thank you for the break, but your body will also thank you for the activity. Before starting any vigorous exercise routine, always talk with your doctor.
Loved ones
When you are having a rough time, lean on your friends and family to help you remain positive.
Sit and talk, watch hilarious movies, go for walks and anything else you enjoy doing together. Allow your loved ones to help you take your mind off of your troubles for a while.
Your family and friends care about you and do not want to see you hurting or stressed. They may not be able to fix your problems but they can distract you long enough to let you relax a little bit. This can benefit you in more ways than one. The first way is by helping you relax. The second way is that you might be able to return to your situation with a fresh perspective.
During difficult times in life, sometimes you have to gently push yourself to be positive. You are not doing yourself or anyone else any good by being negative. It is good to feel your emotions and to release tears if need be. However, it is not good to dwell in negativity. Doing that only sets you up for possible depression and even physical ailments.
In bad times, count your blessings and rely on happy memories and people you love to stay upbeat. Fresh air and exercise can also help burn off negative energy. Above all else, laugh at least once a day. You may have to dip deep to find that laughter, but once you do, let that wonderful medicine wash over your entire soul.
