Peter Griffith / Getty Images
Positivity involves maintaining an optimistic outlook on life.
It means being cheerful and hopeful, even when you are facing challenges.
Positive people look for the good in every situation and are grateful for what they have.
Peter Griffith / Getty Images
They tend to see the glass as half-full instead of half-empty.
Being positive doesn’t mean you never feel negative emotions or struggle with pessimistic thoughts.
Everyone has days when they feel down or discouraged.
The difference is thatpositive thinkersdon’t let their negative emotions control them.
They don’t dwell on their problems but instead focus on finding solutions.
If you want to be more positive, there are a few things you could do.
Practice Gratitude
Make a list of things you’re grateful for.
Write in agratitude journaland jot down a few things that made you feel happy or grateful.
Savor Anticipation
Find something to look forward to each day.
Research has found that having something positive to look forward to helps to improve mood and reduce stress.
This will help keep you positive even when things aren’t going your way.
It can havea variety of benefits, including improving your awareness of your thoughts and moods.
When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and focus on the present moment.
Notice how your body feels and what sounds you could hear.
Smiling helps release chemicals in your brain that make you feel happy and relaxed.
Researchers have found that switching from negative self-talk topositive self-talkcan help improve emotions and reduce stress.
Characteristics of Positive People
Being positive doesnt mean only thinking happy thoughts all of the time.
Even the most optimistic of people experience sadness, discouragement, and anger.
Experiencing negative thoughts can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety.
It is also much more difficult to take care of yourself physically when you have a morepessimisticpoint of view.
Because negative people are more difficult to spend time with, being less positive may also negatively impact relationships.
This can lead tolonelinessand isolation, contributing to even more negativity.
Being less positive can also make it difficult to feel motivated to achieve your goals.
It is also important to note that, like positivity, negativity can also be contagious.
Your thoughts and moods may follow suit when you’re around someone negative.
This can lead to a cycle of negativity that’s difficult to break free from.
Can You Be Too Positive?
When you notice these thoughts, take a moment to actively challenge them.
What evidence contradicts them?
Are there other explanations that might also be equally valid?
How can you change your thoughts about the situation to feel more positive?
2016;10(3):200-206. doi:10.1177/1559827614550277
Boyraz G, Lightsey OR Jr.Can positive thinking help?
Positive automatic thoughts as moderators of the stress-meaning relationship.Am J Orthopsychiatry.
Social Science Research web connection.
2021;11(2):89. doi:10.3390/life11020089
