How to start cultivating a positive mindset

There is a reason why “being positive” is so popular. It’s not an exaggeration when we say a positive mindset can change your life. Mindset is everything.

The journey to a positive mindset is long and challenging. Always remember to take your time and be kind with yourself. It’s normal to have moments of negativity. However, little by little you will see progress and leave your self-sabotaging negative mindset behind by practicing.

What is a positive mindset ?

First, let’s get this clear having a positive mindset doesn’t mean being positive all the time.
A positive mindset means being able to be optimistic and look for solutions and opportunities even on challenging experiences. You have to listen and acknowledge your emotions and feelings, even the negative ones to be able to move on and understand that “no pain is forever”.

Few benefits of having a positive mindset:

Cultivating a positive mindset can impact your physical and mental health.

• Reduce stress
• Lower risk of depression
• Better coping skills
• Increase happiness
• Resilience
• Better Emotions management 
• More creativity
• Boost immune system
• Better decision-making
• Improve self-esteem

If you are looking for a fast and easy way to reach a positive mindset I’m sorry but you will be disappointed. Changing your current mindset to a more positive one takes time. You need to have an open-mind and practice as much as possible.
It’s important to understand that your negative thoughts will never fully go away but instead you will learn how to validate them and reframe them.

tips to help you become more positive

1. Start practicing gratitude

 Take a few minutes a day to reflect on things you are thankful for. If you look closely, there are many things you can be grateful for in your life. Grab a journal and start writing them. 

Here are some questions to help you get start:

“What made you smile today ?”
“Who are you lucky to have in your life ?”
“What did you enjoy today”

When you are feeling down don’t hesitate to go back to your journal to boost your mood.

2. Embrace experiences

We grow and learn through experiences that happen in our life. See challenging and negative situations as opportunities for personal development rather than failure. Accept things you can’t change and think of a positive outcome of the situation

3. Listen to your negative thoughts

Be real with yourself. Be aware of your negative thoughts and ask yourself if they’re based on facts or are just assumptions. Once you are aware of them try to reframe them.

4. Practice positive self-talk

Be conscious of how you talk about yourself in your head but also around people be careful with auto-derision. Treat yourself the same way you would treat your best friend and if you don’t have one be your own.

5. Laugh & have fun

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Try to find humor in your daily life. It’s a powerful natural and free medicine for negativity which can also help you manage stress.

6. Be kind

Choose kindness. Helping others is a great way to spread love and positivity for a better world. Kindness has the power to boost others’ mood but also yours.

7. Focus on self-care

You are important and you have the right to make yourself a priority. Those with a positive mindset find time to take care of themselves to maintain a healthy mental and physical health.