Jill Starbuck
Many of us have found ourselves in the pit of negativity with this dreadful and ongoing winter. However, simple changes in our lives can affect how we perceive each day. A sunny, warm day in the middle of a long, brutal winter can be enough to boost positive energy. But we should try to find ways every day to stimulate this positive energy. Studies show incredible benefits with the power of positive thinking, such as longer life span, less stress, better health, better coping skills, lower rates of depression, and more.
Try some of these steps to boost your positive outlook on life, even when you don’t feel like it.
1. Smile. The very simple of act of smiling provides a tremendous ripple effect that only provides positive outcomes. Smiling is contagious. It makes people appear younger and more attractive (nobody looks good with a scowl on their face!). It also reduces blood pressure and relieves stress. What a simple way to bring positivity to your day. Try it!
2. Surround yourself with supportive people. Just as a smile is contagious, so is someone’s attitude. If you surround yourself with positive people, you are more likely to pick up on those vibes. In the same token, if you surround yourself with negative people, you will find yourself constantly drained.
3. Do something nice for somebody else. A simple gesture such as opening a door, greeting a stranger, extending a compliment, or striking up a friendly conversation can make a big difference in a person’s life. How about surprising somebody who works tirelessly without complaint with a nice note? Surprising somebody else feels great to both the giver and the receiver
4. Bring a solution. Realistically, we face complications daily. Rather than complaining, we should try to bring solutions to the table. This will at least get things started on the right track for improvement. Complaining doesn’t provide any results and gets you nowhere. Further, complaining causes a negative ripple effect.
5. Pamper yourself. Life is just downright busy and full of complications. Many of us don’t give ourselves a moment to relax. We should take time out of every day to give ourselves some much needed rest or a moment to do something we enjoy doing. Schedule this time for yourself daily so that you can tackle all of the demands of daily living with the rest of your time.
Approach each day with a positive outlook and reap the benefits. Soon you will find yourself becoming more resilient and a generally happier person.
Jill Starbuck has 20 years of experience as a business writer, editor, and market research analyst. She is a certified health coach through the Integrative Institute of Nutrition and a certified running coach through the Road Runners Club of America. She is also the co-owner of a running business. She can be reached at jillstarbuck@hotmail.com.
