Eight Ways to Cultivate a Positive Mental Attitude

 

Cultivating a positive mental attitude can’t be accomplished overnight. It starts by gradually introducing good habits into your daily routine. This can be a struggle at first, but eventually it will take less effort to look on the brighter side of life.

 

Eight Things You Can Start Doing Today to Become More Optimistic.

·         Take Action

Many of us worry about the future, always imagining the worst case scenario. Your future circumstances depend largely on your current actions, so you can exercise some control over your future by taking constructive action in the present. If the situation is beyond your control, take your mind off it by focusing on other areas of your life over which you do have control. You can improve those areas.

·         Practice Appreciation

If you think there isn’t much good in your life--always seeing the glass as half empty--take five minutes a day to list the things you're grateful for. After a while, you’ll start noticing the good things more than the bad, which will help develop that positive mental attitude.

·         Think Well of Others

We sometimes judge others harshly and expect the worst in people. This only perpetuates our tendency for negative thinking. Instead, try to go for an entire day thinking only positive thoughts about other people. Do this as often as you can and notice the results.

·         Have a Sense of Humor

As the saying goes, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Keeping your sense of humor and making sure to laugh each day is an easy and effective way to help you become a more positive thinker.

·         Snap Out of It

Make up a prompt that will stop your negative thoughts dead in their tracks. Use it when you find yourself thinking negative thoughts. It could be anything from snapping your fingers, to shouting “stop,” to imagining a red stop sign. Anything is useful as long as it puts an end to that thought.

·         Consciously Feed Yourself Positive Thoughts

 Most of us put our thoughts on autopilot, without consciously deciding what to think. Start getting into the habit of forcing yourself to think positive thoughts, or affirmations. At first it may seem silly, but it will soon get you into the custom of thinking more optimistically.

·         Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself

Negative thinkers tend to focus on their flaws without acknowledging their good points. To stop this harmful habit and boost your positive mental attitude, keep a journal and write down everything about yourself of which you are proud. You'll soon recognize that you do more things well than you thought.

·         Turn off the Television and Social Media

We receive a constant barrage of upsetting information, anxiety ridden situations, and mood destroying comments and thoughts from television and social media. It’s easier to think more positively without this constant influx of negativity. Take time out each day to go low tech. Meditate or take a walk outside instead.

 

Pick one thing on this list and practice it, if you find that doing it all at once is too much. Start today.