5 best ways to work on a positive attitude!
Having a positive attitude is good for you physically!
Did you know that keeping yourself in a positive mindset will actually help you physically? They say laughter is the best medicine. They say it for a reason.
Here are 5 best ways I’ve found really help maintain a positive mindset.
1. Meditate, or find some time to sit outside doing absolutely nothing!
I’ve incorporated this into my morning routine along with my morning coffee and water. Sometimes I meditate, sometimes I just make a point to sit on the porch before I start my day. In case meditation is a new concept for you, it’s really just focusing on nothing but exactly what you intend to focus on.
I usually keep it simple by focusing on breathing, long slow deep breaths, when I meditate. This has also helped when my husbands driving makes me nervous, and I know I can’t do anything about it from the passenger’s seat. I started with the podcast How to Meditate by Adam O’Neil.
2. Go for a walk regularly- even a short one!
O.k., I’ll admit I sometimes find this one challenging. It seems like I feel the least like doing it when I probably need it the most though. Plus, honestly, Living in Vermont and not enjoying the cold means that I don’t particularly want to leave the house for about 6 months of the year. During those months just going outside can be actual exercise. Exercise boosts a hormone called endorphins though, which are built to make you feel happier. Being outside in and of itself has been proven to be connected to mental health, and generally being happier, so for the purpose of working on mindset a simple, short stroll is a good start, even if that’s all you can muster. The point is to enjoy it. Any “real” exercise is a bonus but is also a good goal.
This one can also lead to challenging yourself, which leads to a more positive mindset. You also happen to be the best, if not only person you should be competing with. You knew the 5 best ways to work on a positive attitude would include something that could be considered work, right? I promise I’m not talking about real difficult or complicated stuff here.
3. Make yourself a playlist, and listen often.
I think this is kind of intuitive. Music generally makes us feel better. Even those songs that make us sad or mad seem to have a positive outcome on our mood. Someone out there relates. For adults music has been proven to help with dementia and Playing an instrument has been linked to better grades in youth as well. There have been some interesting studies on the connections between music and our health, and they include information about such things as various hormones. That’s more detailed than I intend to get here, but I’ll include an article from Medical News Today in case you want to read more.
This idea seems to have even been used by cavemen. Ancient bone flutes have utilized mammoth ivory I think it’s safe to say it’s been a while, so get up and dance! Introduce your kids to your music!
4. Write in a journal. This also helps gather thoughts of what you really want for yourself.
I’ve been working on this one specifically over the last year. It helps in recording the good memories, as well as working through problems you might be experiencing. If you don’t know what to write start with just writing what ever pops into your head. Even if it’s “I don’t know what to write” recording your thoughts helps bring them to the surface so you can actually work through them. I think most of us know holding things in isn’t healthy, and sometimes we don’t even really know what’s stressing us out. At times it even seems to be one thing and if you dig you’ll discover it’s not really what you think. Most of the time the answer is far simpler than it feels in your head too.
Do something you enjoy just for you.
Include your family, but only if they really want to be there. No one wants to ruin something you looked forward to with grumpy kids and a husband. Try it with them first though. Ask them to try it before they give you attitude! If they truly don’t enjoy it then just do what ever it is on your own. Your family will get the benefit of a happier parent in better health.
Do your best either turn it around, or keep it up!
Many studies have shown a positive attitude, or generally healthier mindset will improve your general health. Many health problems stem from stress, like ulcers, and heart attacks to start. Several of these involve doing things that adjust hormones that aid in your physical health. Some just help you find a healthier headspace, where you may be able to make better choices for your health. Just in this short post I’ve included 5 ways to work on a positive attitude.
A positive attitude can mean looking at the silver linings in life, focusing on what you can change in the challenges you face, or being more accepting of the challenges in life we can’t change. Life will be difficult at times. All we can do is change our own responses. Our mental and physical health are inextricably linked. We can use this to our advantage rather than having work against us. If you can work to improve one, then the other side will follow. The best thing you can do to improve your attitude is simply to practice. So, give it a try, be positive!
If you enjoyed this post about the 5 best ways to work on a positive attitude, you may also enjoy these: time is like a river
If you are interested in reading more here are a couple interesting articles
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/258383#1
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection
Anne Bengaff
On the surface I'm a 41 year old wife, and mom to 3 teenage girls. More than that though I am an accumulation of my adventures, and the skills I've gained. As a young woman I became an aviation maintenance technician through a school in S.C. I also lost my mother before I was 5. While my girls were growing up and becoming at least a bit more independent I graduated from the local community college with an associates degree in liberal studies. I've recently been reminded how important it is to continue learning, and following your own pursuits even while busy taking care of every one else.
