Last updated on April 9th, 2023 at 10:42 pm
Happiness is our true nature and that’s why we do everything (both healthy and unhealthy) to achieve this state. I could say that letting go of resistance and being in the present moment, can make you a more positive and happier person, but we know it’s not that simple.
So, you’ve cut off some bad friends, learnt to draw boundaries and the like, and even though you feel lighter, you don’t necessarily think you’re the happy and positive person that you want to be.
With practice and consistency, your baseline for positivity and happiness can increase. This is not to say you’ll never get angry, sad, or overwhelmed, but you’ll notice that you can easily snap out of them and find some form of amusement.
- Know your triggers
This is a very important step. Identify what triggers you. What situations leave you upset? Is it when you’re overworked, or hungry, or when you haven’t had time to hang out with your friends? Identifying your triggers can make you better equipped to manage the ensuing low mood.
- Learn the act of gratitude
Finding something to be grateful for can be more tasking than we can imagine. Try to count on five fingers five things you’re grateful for right now. If you’re able to do it, then awesome! If not, don’t feel weird… It takes practice, which is why you have to learn. Being grateful doesn’t have to be when something huge happens. It’s mostly in the mundane.
- Do things you enjoy regularly
I’ve tried this and what I’ve found most challenging are the excuses I give just to avoid doing these. I’d expected it to be easy. The things we enjoy doing that are healthy are mostly not within our comfort zone. Sometimes, we don’t have the time for them even if they are within our comfort zone. This means that we need to be more deliberate about doing them (regularly).
Read 5 Little Habits That Will Transform Your Life
- Hang out more often with friends and family
Social connection can increase your overall mood. It’s in the feeling of being loved, the endless laughter, the excitement. Schedule a hangout time with your nontoxic friends and family, and commit to it as you would other important things.
- Soul-lifting affirmations
This may not be your cup of tea, but if you’ve not tried it, don’t turn your back on it. Just try a five-minute affirmation on YouTube while getting dressed for the day. Then watch your overall mood that day. Affirmations are really my go-to not only when I’m feeling down but when I’m feeling good.
- Allow for the lows with no judgment
The thing with wanting to be a more positive person is that we think that we shouldn’t feel sad or angry or in a low mood. Giving room for the low with no judgment means that we create the space for every part of us to exist. Allow the lows without seeking a quick fix.
The key is to fill yourself up way before you even get depleted. You probably already know these things, but we know how much work goes into making these habits become a part of us. I’m not here to highlight that difficulty though but to let you know that you deserve to be happy and live a positive life.