These days, all you have to do is turn on the news or scroll through social media to find a million reasons to be negative. As a society, we love to complain and vent about our problems, even to the extent that we have trouble identifying what makes us happy in our daily lives. We may fall into the trap of thinking that we can only be happy if we have a lot of money, or a big home, or the latest technology. A lot of times, we think that once we’ve achieved our career or life goals, then we’ll truly be happy.
But those are far from the only ways to find happiness in your daily life. Finding something to be positive about is so important, no matter which way you achieve it. Even something small like fresh flowers in your kitchen or a conversation with a friend can help lift your spirits and put a positive spin on your whole day!
First things first, figure out what’s causing your discontentment. Was it the news story you saw while you were eating breakfast? A sad post your friend shared on Facebook? Try to cut back on these things or find some other way to get your news and keep up with friends and family. While it’s important to know what’s going on in the world and with your loved ones, if it’s making you depressed, it’s okay to take a step back. What about a frustrating conversation with a coworker or friend, or a difficult family situation? It’s important to reflect on these things and to really understand what you are feeling. It’s natural to feel upset in some way – sad, angry, or frustrated, for example – by situations that seem out of our control, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find things (however small) to be happy about.
Secondly, be ready to make some changes – it’s easy to get into a negative mindset and a lot harder to get back out again, and doing so will require some work. Maybe it’s finally setting a time with a friend to get lunch after putting it off and “forgetting” for months. Maybe it’s finding time for a daily walk or run around your neighborhood to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. Maybe it’s as simple as using your time for other things – spend your morning ride to work reading that book you’ve been meaning to start instead of staring off into space. Whatever changes you need to make to help yourself feel happier, try to go at it with a positive mindset, and remember why you’re doing it in the first place.
Finally, remember that it’s about the little things. You don’t have to be happy for the entire day – that’s not exactly realistic and would be pretty hard. We’re only human, after all. But finding even one small thing that makes you happy each day can help you work towards a more positive mindset overall. A sunny day, spending time with your pets, a home-cooked meal – these and so many other things are just a few of the small parts of our lives that can bring us joy.
It’s so important to remember to be positive, especially in our daily lives when we’re surrounded by negativity on all sides. After all, it’s easier to complain about our problems instead of looking at the bright side. But, working to have a more positive mindset is a great change to make, and well worth the effort!