For instance, say you get a flat tire. Nobody likes dealing with a flat, but you have options for how you react to the situation. You can get mad and throw a fit, elevating your blood pressure, and then go get your tire changed. If you get mad, you’ll spend some time very unhappy. On the other hand, you can chock it up to a normal part of life, take a deep breath, and go get your tire fixed. By not reacting, you won’t spend that time angry. In fact, you can turn it into something positive. Maybe while you’re fixing your tire, you can catch up on a good book you haven’t had a chance to read in awhile. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
For example, say you get an upsetting email early in the morning. You could think, “Well, that means this day is going to be awful. " On the other hand, you could think, “Well, that was bad, but my day can only go up from here. " The event remains the same, but how you think about it moving forward can affect your attitude.
For instance, if you find your mind racing to your next vacation while having a chat with your friend, pull yourself back to the moment. Truly listen to what your friend is saying instead of letting your mind wander.
Take time each time to think about what you are thankful for. Maybe you can come up with three things each day that you appreciate, and write them in a journal. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
In other words, instead of thinking, “I have to have that awesome new phone,” try instead to think, “You know, this phone I have is really amazing. A phone 10 years ago wouldn’t have done nearly this much. "
Instead, take a few minutes to imagine the end goal. However, you should also spend some time thinking about the obstacles in your way, as it balances out the fantasy. [10] X Research source
One way to see how often you talk badly about yourself is to take a simple tally over the course of a day. Every time a negative thought enters your head, make a note on a piece of paper or your phone. That process will increase your awareness of how often you are criticizing yourself. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Once you’ve established how often you are talking badly, start trying to change those negative thoughts into positive thoughts. For instance, if you are thinking, “I hate my hips,” try instead to think a positive thought about that body part, such as “I may not like the way my hips look, but they are strong hips that helped me produce a baby. “[13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
In the same vein, skip media and news stories that bring you down. They can impact you just as much as the people you surround yourself with.
As an example, if someone makes a comment about the sweater you’re wearing, don’t let it get to you. Instead, remember why you loved the sweater in the first place, and respond in kind: “Well, I’m sorry you don’t like it, but I really love this orange. It makes me happy to wear it. "
If you’re not sure where to volunteer, try asking at your local food bank, a homeless shelter, a nearby school, or a library. All of them are sure to have an opportunity for you to volunteer.
One way to make sure you stick to a schedule is to set an alarm for bedtime just like you set an alarm for waking up. Set it 30 minutes to an hour before you want to go to bed to remind you it’s time to wind down.
One simple stretch you can employ is moving from cow pose to cat pose. In a chair, lean forward with your hands on your knees. Arch your back outward. Move to cat pose by arching your back inwards. [21] X Research source Move on to stretching your arms straight above your head, leaning to each side as you stretch. [22] X Research source You can also employ a twisting move. While sitting, keep your arms bent and twist around one way and then the other. [23] X Research source
What’s important is to let your emotion flow out on paper. Don’t try to make it grammatically correct or perfect or worry about what you should be writing about. [25] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Try to get at least eight hugs a day. Don’t just limit yourself to your friends and family–pets count, too. [27] X Research source
