Do you find it easy to tell someone the bad things that happened to you today but struggle to remember the good? And not only do you remember the bad, but you fixate on those experiences and feelings?
This is called negative bias.
I work every day to consciously be aware of how I approach my job, relationships, and life in general because it’s not as easy as it used to be to let negative thoughts go. I’m proud to be the safe place my friends and loved ones go to when they are struggling with mental health challenges. But feelings are more intensified these days with fear, stress, sadness, and anxiety. I recognize that I can’t help them if I don’t take care of myself, just like a flight attendant says to “put your oxygen mask on first.”
I’ve deliberately started working on keeping a positive attitude throughout my day. It is an ongoing task, but one I think is so important for my mental health. I want to share few ways that may help you to work on seeking positivity:
- Limit exposure to media and social media. Consider blocking off a part of your day for it, such as 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening.
- Use a mantra. Having prepared statements to say to yourself can help you silence the negative voices in your head. Some examples include “You can do hard things” or “It is going to be okay.”
- Find your passion. Find something that brings you joy and then make time for it. Maybe there’s something you used to do that made you happy that has dropped out of your routine. Start doing it again!
- Listen to music. Uplifting music is a powerful tool to boost your mood, I like classical for relaxation. As your body releases dopamine; the feel-good hormone, it’s beautiful to revisit the positive feelings that the music reminds you of.
- Surround yourself with positive people. Even positive people can struggle with negativity if they are surrounded by scared and anxious people. Make sure to include people in your life who can find the good during challenging times and who recognize that life always has many up’s and down’s.
- Do something nice for someone. When you do a good deed for someone else, it not only improves the mood of the person you helped, but it also improves your mood AND the mood of anyone who witnessed the good deed.
- Go outside. Now is a great time to be outside in nature, New Hampshire offers many great hiking trails so go out and take in the changing seasons. This time of year is a good reminder that what goes up, must come down; and what comes down, must go up. Life isn’t just about what you experience today.
However you choose to bring positivity into your life, just remember to be conscious of the world around you. In fact, research shows that it takes three positive thoughts to negate a negative thought. Negative messaging is everywhere but you have the tools to counteract that so you can live a more positive, healthy life.