Sometimes life gets heavy. So many factors can contribute to feeling overwhelmed and at a loss. When things pile up, it’s difficult to stay positive. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost! There are little things you can do each day to help give your positivity a boost.  

So whether you’re dealing with a difficult personal issue, or concerned about the global pandemic, you can face these hardships head on and still stay positive in the process. Here are 10 little things you can do to be more positive:

Many of us struggle with negative thinking. We overthink situations, worry about the future, and have a hard time letting go of the past. Our brains may naturally try to catastrophize (assume the worst is going to happen) or get stuck in rigid black and white thinking. If you can recognize these thoughts when they happen, you can challenge them and realize they aren’t true. The worst isn’t always going to happen and you don’t have to focus on the negative.

How to begin to think more positively? With practice! Every time you have a negative thought about yourself, another person, or situation, think of a positive too. Over time, you can slowly replace negative thoughts with positive ones until it becomes natural. The key is to work at it!

When you focus on the negative, you’re going to feel more negative. On the flip side, if you take time to write down what you’re grateful for each and every day (no matter how small), we bet you’re going to start to feel better. This practice helps you focus on all the good in your life, and it can be helpful to go back and read through your lists when you’re feeling especially down.

Why do people love music so much? There’s pretty much a song for every mood. If you’re feeling sad, a song can help express what you’re feeling when you can’t put it into words. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, soft, calming music can help you relax. And if you want to feel more positive, just turn on an upbeat tune. You can’t help but feel good when your favorite song comes on.

You might think meditation isn’t for everyone, and sure, that might be true. But simply lying down and taking a few quiet moments to breathe can be calming and restorative. Many of us overthink situations which causes stress and anxiety. Focusing on your breath for a few minutes can help clear your mind letting all those thoughts drift away. You’ll definitely feel more balanced after taking some time to just breathe.

Sending a thank you card to someone you’re grateful for will crank up those feel-good hormones in no time. Expressing gratitude can boost your mood and help you have a more positive outlook on life. No matter how small the deed, thanking someone for their help or support will put a huge smile on their face. And you’ll feel good knowing that you’ve made someone else feel good too!

That phrase, ‘a breath of fresh air’? There’s something to it. Getting outside into the natural sunlight and fresh air can instantly make you feel better. A walk through the forest or along the beach is a calming experience that gives you a chance to appreciate the beauty in nature. It’s also an opportunity for quiet time so you can reflect and process your thoughts. With the recommended social distancing right now, be sure to avoid crowds and keep your distance from others.

The news can be heavy. Outbreaks and pandemics, natural disasters, violence and war, it’s enough to make anyone feel intense doom. If you find the news makes you feel anxious or sad, limit your exposure. At a minimum, take a break once a week. Unplug from the internet, social media, and tv to get away from the negative news. Spend this time doing something you love, like working on a hobby or trying a new activity with your loved ones.

When you’re fighting anxious thoughts and feeling restless, a good sweat session can boost your mood and put your mind at ease. The beauty of exercise is when you get in the zone, you forget everything else and it completely clears your mind. Getting your blood pumping feels good and is a healthy way to combat stress. Thankfully, many gyms and fitness professionals are live streaming workouts and posting videos online that you can follow along!

No one is happy all the time, but there are some who naturally see the positive side to everything. Those are the kinds of people you want to be around, especially when you’re struggling to stay positive yourself. Someone with a positive attitude can help you see the silver lining in any situation and encourage you to reframe your outlook. You are who you spend time with, so choose your friends wisely!

Now is the time to stay connected through phone calls, video and voice messages with your loved ones. Be sure to unfollow any accounts that make you feel negative or down about yourself or the current situation. Flood your news feed with happy, positive messages and spread positivity to your friends and family.

Life is constantly changing so hold on, the best is yet to come! Are you a naturally positive person? How do you stay upbeat during difficult times?