We can spend all the time in the world working on feeling positive - but the real test is when things start to go downhill. It can be relatively easy to feel confident and good about yourself when things are going well. It’s much harder when nothing seems to be going your way.
Still, there’s no better way to practice positivity than to persevere even when your situation might not be what you want. It could be a relationship that’s causing your stress, uncertainty about your future, or a career choice that hasn’t panned out how you wanted. Let’s cover a few strategies around how to feel more positive, even when things aren’t going well in your life.
Know You’re Not Alone
When things go wrong, it can feel like the whole world is against you - but that’s certainly not the case. Make sure you have the right people around you who will share a positive outlook.
If you find yourself feeling isolated, create a list of people to lean on. This could be family members, close friends, colleagues, or a counselor. These people should be trustworthy and positive-minded.
Train Your Brain
Just like any other muscle, you can train your brain to be more positive, even in difficult situations. Get into the habit of creating a gratitude list each and every day, including (and especially) the bad ones.
This prompts your brain to look for the positive in everything. Even if the only two things you have to be positive about are the fact that you have the time to write the list or that you have a roof over your head, this still counts! Gratitude lists help us look for the positives that are sometimes overshadowed by bigger problems or concerns.
Another training technique you can try is to shout down any negative thoughts - literally! When you’re stuck in a negative headspace, argue with your own negativity out loud in front of the mirror. Often, our negative thoughts are not rational, so kill them with cold, hard logic.
You could also try positive affirmations to welcome in some light on the rainiest days. Just like gratitude lists, affirmations are something you should make standard practice on both good and bad days.
One Step In Front Of The Other
The most important part to remember is that you just need to keep going one step at a time. Negativity can feel overwhelming - but it will pass. Good days will come along again, I promise! If all you do now is keep practicing positivity as best you can, that makes today a success.
I hope these examples bring you some light and happiness, even if life might seem hard right now!