Positive mindset

Maintaining a positive mindset is a challenge and it should be; life is full of challenges that test and push us. I have recognised that I have a high level of patience for maintaining positivity, however, once that level is reached, I allow myself to feel negativity; I let the feelings be for a while and acknowledge what I am feeling and why.

I used to think that I was wrong to have negative thoughts or attitudes and I would feel bad that I couldn’t just get rid of them in an instant and feel positive. And then I realised that this was an unrealistic expectation and actually, this expectation to instantly feel okay, was adding to my inability to deal with the negative experience and prolonged this.

When I learned to accept the negative experiences and be in the moment with them and not instantly resist and try to change them, then these incidences seemed less significant over time and actually started to become briefer in duration.

 It is okay to feel all thoughts and feelings which are a natural part of our human experience.

Here are some tips for maintaining a positive mindset and re-finding positivity after a negative experience:

  • Take 5 mins. Stop whatever you are doing and sit in a quiet space by yourself. Take 6 slow deep breaths in and out relaxing your muscles in your body as you exhale.
  • Tell yourself that it is okay to feel whatever you are feeling right now.
  • Ask yourself if the negative situation is providing you with an opportunity somehow. Find a positive in the situation if possible.
  • Distract yourself and do something you enjoy – sing, dance, exercise, meditate.
  • Distract yourself with a mindfulness activity – for example, take a 5 minute walk and choose 3 objects in your environment as you walk. One object at a time focus on the size, shape colour, texture, smell of the object. What is the object used for and how else could it be used? Imagine how the object may look different in different seasons (if it is an object in nature).

Train yourself for positivity!

For the next 7 days, take 3 minutes at the end of each day and think of 3 positive things that happened for you that day. Even the smallest of things count! Write them down and reflect on your list at the end of the week.