Optimism’s a four-syllable word that can be harder to find than diamonds in South Africa. But believe it or not, you, too, can tap into the earth of your surroundings and dig up a rich store of feel-good. Here are a few ways to do that.
1: Find laughter. These days, it isn’t hard to find. With Youtube and social media, there is no shortage of memes, videos, vines, and more to get you crackalacking. You could also rent a funny movie, watch stand-up comedy, or hang out with funny people. Laughter will lead you to smile, and smiling will lead you to feel good. This brings us to our next point…
Start the day with a smile, and make a conscious effort to smile more. It’s hard to believe that something such as smiling can improve your mood, but studies have linked outward acts of happiness to an internal shift. 2: Turn the frown upside down. Hold your smile for a minute, two minutes. Five minutes to see how long you can go. Practice looking in the mirror and smiling, even if it feels cheesy, stupid, and inauthentic.
3: Use positive words. Studies have confirmed what spiritual traditions have long held regarding the power of the tongue: words can shape the reality around us. If you want to build a more positive vibe, try using more positive comments. Eliminate negative talk about yourself and others as well.
4: Find positive people. The impact of those we hang out with is enormous. Avoid negative influences and people who bring you down with complaining and criticism. Misery loves company, the adage goes, and these people will quickly get you into a downward spiral. Find friends who are upbeat, positive, and happy, and their resilience and optimism will pass on to you.
5: Stay healthy. If you’re feeling tired and sick, it’s easy to get irritable and pessimistic. By contrast, try maintaining an active lifestyle of healthy choices that can maximize your energy levels and build you up. It’s easier to be upbeat and happy when feeling good inside and out.
6: Get spiritual and actualized. Most spiritual traditions promote a positive outlook on life. Like positive words can turn our perspective around, filling our hearts and minds with good stuff will help optimism become easier. If you’re not so into organized religion, find something that can provide a positive outlet for you, like exercise, music, art, or reading.
