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4 Tips for a More Positive Mindset

Improve your outlook and live a more positive life by incorporating these steps.

It happens to everyone. You feel overwhelmed, stressed out and just need a break. The causes may vary. Work, family, friends, kids, relationships, money, etc. Or, it could be a little bit of everything. Some days or weeks it really feels as if the glass is half empty, and you can't figure out how to turn it around. Well, you're not alone. Many people let their negative feelings overcome them, and it impacts not only your emotions but your health as well: disrupted sleep, high blood pressure, headaches and even upset stomach. However, you can reverse your mindset, and lead a more positive life. These tips won't change your circumstances, but rather how you deal with them. When you feel good, everything else feels like you can handle it.

Stop Complaining in its Tracks!

We all need to vent sometimes. Get it out of your system and move on! However, sometimes you get caught in the complaining cycle. Are you venting, or just complaining about the same things over and over? If you constantly complain that your life, or any part of it, is bad, then it will be bad. And this is true whether you are saying out loud to a friend, or just complaining to yourself. Catch yourself, and stop immediately. Negative self-talk is just as bad as speaking the words out loud. You may be harder on yourself, and think things you would never actually say. This will take practice but will get easier with time.

The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

You may have heard the statement, "What you think about, you bring about." This is a hard one to think about because it requires you to try to look at your life as a whole or the various aspects of it in a new light. For example, is your dog really a bad dog, or have you just not trained it well? You never have time to exercise, or do you not make the time? Is your job really terrible, or are you having trouble dealing with changes? The list of questions could go on and on, for each person has their own set of challenges. Take a step back, sit down and really evaluate the various scenarios that are troubling you in your life. Then, look at how you handle them. What can you change? What will make you feel better? Taking control may take time, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Take Positive Action

Once you've evaluated, and changed your self-talk, it's time to take action — positive action. Sign you and your pet up for training. Start taking a short five to 10-minute walk every day. Go into work smiling, and discuss any concerns you have with your supervisor to see if changes can be made. Take the kids to the park, or play a game after they finish their homework or chores. Yes, there are daily struggles, but try to balance the struggle with a positive action that can change your life.

Get Guidance

Sometimes it is just a matter of practice and patience when it comes to leading a more positive life. But sometimes you need professional help - and that's okay! Talk to your doctor to see what your options are when it comes to dealing with your concerns. And don't be afraid to talk to someone to help you through the craziness of life.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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