Seven Ways to Stay Positive in a Negative World

Posted: May 25 in Health And Wellness, Weight Management Strategies by Dr. Lazarus

The world seems to be in a state of chaos these days. Terrorists, refugees, mass murders and wacky weather make just a few of the depressing news headlines. Add to that each person’s own problems, like bills, sickness, broken hearts. The list goes on. Sometimes it becomes so overwhelming it’s hard to find a reason to keep going. It doesn’t have to be that way, however. Bad times (as well as the good ones) always pass. Emotions are always temporary. When you’re ready to give up and give in, here are a few ways to bring back the good.

Be grateful:  An “attitude of gratitude” keeps the positive vibes going. Each day find at least one thing you are thankful for and write it down. It might be as simple as that first cup of coffee in the morning or talking with a friend. Jot it down in a notebook with a date on it. Or write a note and put it together with others in a special drawer or bag. Then in a time of your choosing (once a week, month, a year, when you are blue, etc.) go through the notes and reread all your blessings.

Find beauty: Sometimes the world just seems ugly. Something beautiful, on the other hand, always lifts the spirit. Look for something that stirs your soul. Beauty often comes in small, quiet packages like a pretty tree, a chirping bird or a lovely sunset. In places like Greenwood and Denver, the first flower that blooms in the spring always seems to shout hope. An elderly couple holding hands says that love is still around. A great looking car, a dog with a wagging tail, and a child’s laughter are all beautiful things.

Random acts of kindness:  Set a goal to do one random act of kindness each day. It can be as simple as paying someone a compliment on their smile, hair or t-shirt. Next time you are at a coffee shop drive-in window pay for the coffee for the car behind you. That’s called “paying it forward.” Hold the door open for someone entering or leaving a place. Let a waiting car into the lane ahead of you. Doing these kinds of things not only lifts your own spirit but makes a little corner of the world a better place.

Sing!:  Sing in the shower. Everyone knows showers have great acoustics and make anyone sound better! Singing does something mysterious in the body, like creating those feel-good hormones. Pick a cheerful song or tune. If you don’t know the words, then sing la la lahs. Better yet, sing the words “cantaloupe, watermelon.” That’s more interesting than la lahs and so ridiculous you may have to laugh! Word of caution: you might want to warn other members of the household you are going to do this.

Breathe deeply: Take several deep breaths. Breathe in to the count of five and out to the count of seven. Take it slow. Adding oxygen to your system is not only good for your health, but it also relaxes as well as rejuvenates your body. Stand up, if possible, and do this several times a day.

Play: Create some time to allow yourself to be a kid again. Children are innocent of the world’s troubles which a positive way to be. Adults forget how to be that way. Go ahead and play. Blow bubbles; ride a merry-go-round, swing on a swing, take off your shoes (that’s real freedom!) and wade in a mud puddle. Get one of those adult coloring books or print a picture from the computer and color! If you have children around, play with them.

Laugh: Collect jokes. Write them down if you can’t remember them. Then tell them to others. Watch videos of some of the classic comedians like Carol Burnett, Jerry Lewis or Lucille Ball. Watch funny animal videos on YouTube.

You can choose your thoughts and by doing that you control your own emotions. Choosing to be positive may be hard at first, but it gets easier with practice. Positive people not only feel better themselves but lighten the load of those around them. Brighten your corner of the world, and the rest might follow!