What kind of life do you want to live? Do you want a happy life or a life full of pain and sadness? For sure, no one wants to live a life full of drama but the irony is that most people choose drama. Yes, you read it correctly. The keyword here is choose because happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy or sad. However, it is easier said than done. What if you are in pain? What if you feel that you are in the lowest point of your life right now? But before you give up, tell yourself not today. Give yourself a chance. Choose to be happy by changing your focus from the negative to the positive. Research suggests that anyone can choose happiness simply by having a positive attitude about life. Here are 5 tips on how to become more positive.
1. Focus on the Good Things
Life will always have its ups and downs. As human beings, it is normal to feel happy, sad, hopeful, excited, frustrated, angry and all other emotions. The important thing is to ask yourself what do you focus on? Do you dwell in your negative emotions? Do you wallow in pain even long after the negative event has happened? Remember that what you focus on expands. If you focus on the positive, you life will become bright and joyful. If you focus on the negative, your life will be full of sorrow and pain.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment rather than thinking of the past nor the future. The practice of mindfulness has many benefits such as relieving stress, improving sleep and lowering blood pressure. It also improves memories, attention skills and help regulates your emotions.
3. Surround Yourself with Positive People
Did you know that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with? If you surround yourself with positive, happy and successful people, you too will be positive, happy and successful. Stay away from negative people if you don’t want to be a negative person as well.
4. Be Grateful
Start a gratitude journal. Always start your day by writing three things you are grateful for. This daily habit will make you feel more positive emotions by remembering all the goods things that happened in your life on a regular basis. It will help you value your relationships more and see your blessings which in turn will lead to a happier life.
5. Help Others
Numerous psychological studies reveal that it is in giving, rather than receiving that we feel longer lasting happiness. Apparently, when we give to others, it activates a region in our brain that is associated with pleasure, trust and social connection. Being generous will make us feel good. So, give yourself the gift of happiness by helping others.
6. Smile
And lastly, don’t forget to smile. Smile even if you don’t feel like it. Don’t underestimate the power of a smile. A simple can do wonders. Smiling can help reduces stress. It helps build confidence. And it also makes you look more attractive. So, smile.
First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 09.08.2019
Feature Photo by Binti Malu from Pexels
