Working to have a positive attitude day in and day out doesn’t just “happen.” You have to work at maintaining that sunny outlook. Listen, we all wish we could wake up and feel like Beyoncé every day. But hey, even Beyoncé has some not so great days... I assume so, anyway. You don’t always wake on the right side of the bed. Sometimes you will find yourself rolled over on the side with no sheets on you, half off the bed and you’re hitting the snooze like there’s no tomorrow. Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. There are storms and bees and deadlines and breakups and all kinds of stuff to deal with.
And it’s fine to not always be Mr. or Ms. Bubbly. You are allowed to have a raincloud over your head once in awhile. However, sometimes we need a little help moving these rainclouds aside to make room for a little bit of sun to shine through. Of course, you have to put in some effort to get a positive result. Having a background in counseling psychology, I’ve seen how a constant negative outlook can affect people. Therefore, let’s try to fill up our glasses half empty and look on the bright side of things. Here are some ways you can turn your negative day into a positive one.
1. Work Out
Just like Elle Woods once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands.” Not like you’re going to do the last part, but working out will definitely help lift that mood of yours. Not only will you feel good afterwards, but you’ll also be doing something positive for your body as well.
2. Smile
Even if you don’t want to, try to put a smile on your face as if you were taking the best selfie of your life. In this case, faking it till you make it will benefit you. Smiling will trick your mind into thinking you are actually happy. Thus making you feel a tad bit sunnier.
3. Do Something Nice
I know you’re probably not in the mood to be all Mother Teresa, but offering a helping hand to someone else will make you feel good. You are putting out positivity into the world and thus, putting positivity into yourself.
4. Treat Yourself
Who ever said a nice bubble bath couldn’t make a day better? Whatever it is that will cheer you up, do it. Maybe it’s a new pair of shoes. Or maybe it’s getting your hair done. Treat yourself because everyone deserves a little present to themselves once in awhile.
5. Sex
An orgasm a day keeps the blues away. That’s how it goes, right? Having sex is like working out, but better. You’ll get your endorphins going AND you’ll feel more relaxed. If you don’t want to have sex with someone else, that shouldn’t stop you from having fun. Show yourself a little love too.
6. Sun
Vitamin D is your best friend — your BFF that helps put a smile on your face. Sometimes if we are stuck inside all day, a little fresh air and some sunshine can take those blues away. If it’s rainy day season, look into buying yourself a happy light. You’ll be happy you did.
7. Reach Out To A Good Friend
Sometimes a friend is all you need. Reaching out to a good friend can turn that frown upside down because they know you best. They know when you need to vent, and they know when you just need a good laugh.
8. Write A Gratitude List
It’s important to stop and smell the roses sometimes. We need to stop focusing on the negative and look at the positive things that are going on. If you’re having a hard time remembering these positives, write out a gratitude list every day.
9. Coffee
If none of these options work, then your go-to should be a cup of joe. There’s nothing better than some good ol’ caffeine to perk you right up. If you’re having a bad day, maybe you need to have another cup of coffee. Yum.
And whatever you do, keep in mind that things will get better. Just keep making an effort and you'll get there eventually.
Images: Ryan Polei/Flickr; Giphy (9); Pexels
