Some days are harder than others, as most of us know. But by developing certain habits and embracing a more positive mindset, you can get through it easier and make a difference in the lives of others. Yes, your energy can affect others, so being happier in spirit can radiate to others. If you find it challenging to get to a happy place, especially during difficult periods of life, these suggestions may help.
Practice Gratitude
One way to be more positive is to mindfully be more grateful. That appreciation can apply to any number of things in your life, from connections with people to material things. When you have gratitude, you may find yourself feeling happier as you realize all you have in life, rather than what is missing. That realization can be enough to change your thinking if even just for a few minutes the first time you practice this mental exercise. Over time, you may find yourself feeling appreciation for much longer stretches of time, and it comes more easily to feel this way.
Research has shown that when you are grateful, you are more likely to have less stress, more energy, and potentially improved sleep. Being able to have this effect on your days can be life-changing. Well, that’s even more reason to have a sunny attitude, isn’t it?!
Some people use a gratitude journal to help them remember to show appreciation intentionally. Writing in this special book daily may help you, too. Or, you may want to tell people regularly how much they mean to you, rather than writing on pages in a journal. Find what suits you and show that appreciative spirit regularly.
Increase Your Vibrational Frequency
You may have heard of someone vibrating at a higher frequency, or at a lower one. A higher-frequency person can give off positive energy, radiating from within and can be a source of peace for others. Meanwhile, a low-frequency person may feel mentally exhausted and not have enough energy to be social very often.
Taking your life in a more positive direction is within your means, but it requires intention. That could involve a personal session with someone who understands vibrational elements and how they can assist your quality of life, including professionally. To be a high vibration person is within your means, and becoming stronger in this area can improve your work performance.
For example, you may learn to be more aware of your thoughts and how they are affecting your actions. Perhaps the negative comments about yourself that your inner voice is saying are making it difficult to get job deadlines done on time. Learning how to alter your frequency by paying more attention to your thoughts can be helpful.
Get Outside More with Mother Nature
Being outside at a park, on a walk, or near a stream are environments that can be calming. It’s about connecting with Mother Nature and getting back to the basics of the planet. Along with helping you unwind, the outdoors can also help refresh your batteries. Perhaps you find that stepping onto a trail and doing a brisk half-hour walk can rejuvenate you.
When outside, be intentional about the activity. On that walk, for example, count the number of birds you come across. Listen to their noises and how many different sounds you hear. Look for a rainbow. Connecting with the environment can help you forget the stresses of indoor life, including the office and any personal stressors at home. Instead, simply enjoy your surroundings.
While you’ll likely bring your phone with you when outside in case there’s an emergency, try your best not to check it for messages. Instead, do a digital detox for a short while when you’re out in the green space, forgetting about what you might be missing out on across social media and instead enjoying what’s around you in person right now.
Be In the Moment, Starting Today
There are many ways to be more present or active in the current moment. It can be hard when you’re lost in thoughts of days (or moments) passed, but it’s important to know that all we have is the present time. You may think it is corny, but it is true. The future is unknown and cannot be taken for granted.
Ways to be in the moment include yoga, meditation, less screen time, and doing activities with loved ones, like a card game or a trip to an amusement park. What you do to be more mentally present in the now is up to you. Some techniques might work better for you some days than others, or you might find a method right away that you like and prefer to do most of the time. It’s up to you and includes figuring out what is most effective in your life.
You may find that you’re better able to contribute to conversations at work and with those you love when you’re fully in the current moment. Being mindful can enhance your days, bringing more color to the now.
Lend a Hand to Those Who Need It
Helping others is a great way to be more positive in spirit. When you give to others, you get so much in return, as the famous expression says. That is, you can feel good about being able to help others, especially when you see the uplifting effect of your actions.
From fundraising to volunteering, there are many ways to actively participate in events that give back to the local community or those in need in other parts of the world. Your activities are making a difference, and that can give you a sense of purpose. Feeling like you have a mission or a reason to wake up in the morning is a wonderful feeling. That sense of purpose uplifts you, so keep doing it!
You might be helping far more people than you realize, making a big difference in the lives of others. Not only are you feeling good, but you also contribute in ways that help others feel better, too. This feeling of being useful and helpful may have you soon recruiting friends and family to come help out at the local shelter with you or with another action that benefits others.
Focusing on the Positive Moving Forward
As you practice the ways listed above more often, they can become second nature. That can make it easier to be in a headspace that is on the brighter side more often. You might not realize it, but your frame of mind that you bring to social events, home, and work can influence others. While they might not say it, family and friends may notice your cheerful outlook and emulate the energy they feel coming from you. What a compliment, and also what an amazing effect to have on others.
You may even notice with time that things start to feel easier. Getting up early in the dark on a cold, rainy day, for example, used to make you miserable, but now you realize you are fortunate to be able to get out of bed and start the day, so you cherish these moments. That positive outlook is great, and it’s making a difference in your days.
Of course, you may get lost emotionally sometimes, as life certainly has its challenges. But the main thing is to get back to your habits that encourage a positive outlook to get back on track. Keep shining!
