Embrace Positivity: Small shifts to live a healthier, happier life.
- Lizanne's Words
- Mar 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 3
In the current climate, maintaining a modicum of positivity can feel like a massive uphill battle, along with everything else. But research continues to show that a positive mindset can improve so many things...our overall mental health, our personal relationships, and even boost our metabolism. Let's dive in.
Understanding Positivity
"Positivity" is not the absence of negativity; but rather an active choice to focus on the good, find joy in small moments, and to approach our lives and its daily challenges (especially lately) with resilience and the belief that somehow, someway it's going to be ok.
Tips for Cultivating Positivity
Sounds lovely, right? But how do we actually implement this into our lives?
Let's discuss.
Practice Gratitude
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to affect our outlook and enhance positivity is through gratitude. Taking a little time each day to reflect on what you are thankful for...whether that's writing a few things down at the end of the day or taking a few short seconds to fully appreciate where you are and what you have. These small things can shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life.
Daily Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you are grateful for each day. This practice can help you recognize the positive aspects of your life.
Appreciate Small Moments: Pause to appreciate the sunshine, or cup of coffee in your hand; smell the flowers or watch the birds.
Express Gratitude to Others: Take a moment to thank someone who has made a difference in your life. This not only boosts your mood but also strengthens your relationships.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
The people you spend time with can significantly impact your mindset. Surrounding yourself with people who share the same positivity can change your whole day and inspire you to adopt a more optimistic outlook. Just as negativity can be spread, so can positivity.
Join Supportive Communities: Engage in groups or clubs that feel joyful and positive.
Limit Negative Interactions: Identify relationships that drain your energy and consider setting boundaries to protect your mental well-being.
Find your people and join one (or several) of our supportive community circles here:
Engage in Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment without judgment. It can help you reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day meditating to clear your mind and focus on the present.
Mindful Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and body, allowing you to approach challenges with a clearer perspective.
You can find meditations and mindful breathing exercises in our membership area, here:
Set Realistic Goals
Setting achievable goals - however small - can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, contributing to a positive mindset.
Break Down Goals: Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Set a 10-minute timer and clean up as much as you can. Let the rest go.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. This reinforces a positive outlook and motivates you to keep going.
Engage in Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is obviously amazing for the physical body but can be even better for the mind. Exercise releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones.
Working out is my personal stress reliever, anxiety reducer, sadness buster, and overall day-changer. If I'm not feeling a long workout, I try to get outside for a walk at the very least or pick one or two of the shorter fitness blocks from our member section. We have all the things, or evrything if you will.
Find Activities You Enjoy: Whether it’s dancing, hiking, or yoga, or one of the many things on here, engaging in activities you love can make exercise feel less like a chore.
Incorporate Movement into Your Day: Even small changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can boost your mood and energy levels.
You can find all the fitness fun here:
Foster Positive Self-Talk
How can you expect anyone to treat you well, if you can't even do it yourself? The way you talk to yourself can significantly influence your mindset. Negative self-talk can lead to overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, while positive affirmations can boost your confidence and resilience.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you catch yourself thinking negatively, pause and reframe those thoughts into positive ones.
Use Affirmations: Create a list of positive affirmations that resonate with you and repeat them daily to reinforce a positive self-image.
Find support and join our supportive community circles here:
Connect with Nature
GET OUTSIDE. And as much as we want you here - PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN. BE PRESENT. Spending time in nature can have a profound impact on your mental well-being. Nature has a calming effect and can help you feel more connected to the world around you.
Take Nature Walks: Regular walks in a park or natural setting can help clear your mind and reduce stress, but any walks are good.
Create a Green Space: If possible, incorporate plants into your living space. Even one plant can make a difference. Studies show that indoor plants can improve mood and productivity.
Limit Exposure to Negativity
This is what we're here for!! Let us help you find the positive in evrything. In today’s digital age, and with everything going on in the world, it’s too easy to become overwhelmed by negative news and social media. Limiting your exposure to negativity can help you maintain a positive mindset.
Curate Your Social Feed: Follow accounts that inspire and uplift you and unfollow those that bring constantly negativity into your life. This isn't saying to ignore the news altogether, but we can limit it and still be informed.
Set Boundaries with Socials Consumption: Designate specific times to check your socials, rather than mindlessly scrolling and allowing it to dominate your day.
Find out Instagram page here:
Seek Professional Help When Needed
Sometimes, cultivating positivity can be challenging, especially if you are dealing with significant stress or more serious mental health issues. Seeking professional help can provide you with the tools and support you need to navigate these challenges.
Therapy: Consider talking to a therapist who can help you develop coping strategies and a more positive outlook. I love therapy.
Support Groups: Joining a support group can connect you with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Final Thoughts
Embracing positivity is a journey that requires intentional effort and practice.
It's not about ignoring life’s challenges; it’s about choosing to focus on the good and finding strength in adversity. Start today by implementing one or two of these strategies and watch how your life transforms for the better.
Take the first step towards a healthier, happier life by being more intentional with your mindset and embracing small moments of positivity. Which one will you do today?
xx Lizanne
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