How to Practice Positive Thinking Daily

The world we currently live in is in chaos, and sometimes it is hard to find the good things when we are often faced with uncertainty. On the other hand, when you practice positive thinking, you can cope with life no matter how hard things may be. And, the best part is, it is suitable for your mental health too. 

Power of Positive Thinking

Thinking positive thoughts can be challenging at times. It is even more complicated when you are going through some rough patches. However, with practice, you too can retain positive thoughts over time. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Keep your eyes on the good things.

The pandemic has brought a lot of bad things to all of us. People we love may have been affected or even lost their battle with Covid. Some of us lost our jobs. How can you focus on the good things in this seemingly unending crisis? You can find them if you look for them – no matter how small this good thing is, keep your focus on that. 

For example, finding a dollar bill when you don’t have money or a stranger helping you load your groceries. What about a dog owner allowing you to pet their dog? As small as these acts are, they are still the good things in this world. If you seek kindness around you, undoubtedly, something always comes up! 

2. Having humor helps.

Laughter is the best medicine, and you know what? It’s true! Laughing can lower your anxieties, stress, and depression [1]. It is also why you must chill, relax, and laugh at some corny jokes, even lame ones! You will see a big difference afterward. 

If you take everything seriously, it’s a heavy burden to carry. But it is easier to break barriers if you open up to humor and laughter. Your sense of humor can also lighten the load. It also makes the hard things look easy, and if we practice humor in all situations, it would be a happy place!

3. Practice gratitude.

Having an attitude of gratitude is one example of how to practice positive thinking. Being thankful even for the little things invites positivity in your life. 

You can practice your appreciation by saying thanks for many things, even to the people you meet daily. Be thankful for the coffee lady who knows how to make your coffee right, the person who gave you the parking space, and even the UPS guy for not messing up your package. 

Practicing gratitude takes time, so if you are not someone who does this often, perhaps it is time that you do. 

4. Be with positive people.

My mother used to tell me, “tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are,” – and this got me thinking. Can my mom tell who I am by the type of people I hang out with? Of course, I didn’t understand this back then, but I finally knew what it meant as I grew older. 

If you hang out with the wrong crowd, expect they will influence you in the wrong way too. This principle applies to positive people as well. Being with happy, shiny people can also affect your thoughts and outlook.  Positive friends also bear positive life choices and experiences. 

So, find friends who can lead you to the right decisions and avoid those who can get you in trouble. 

5. Positive self-talk.

Sometimes it’s hard to talk to yourself in a positive way when you know you screwed up. Over time, speaking harshly towards yourself can negatively affect you, forming the wrong opinions about yourself and pulling your self-esteem down. 

However, you can stop this and develop new ways of speaking to yourself by being mindful of what you say to yourself. Remember, the words we speak are powerful; they can either be a blessing or a curse. That said, speak only words of encouragement to yourself. 

6. Start the day with positive thoughts.

Developing positivity in your life starts when you wake up [2]. Create a routine that will help you bring a more positive outlook on your life and mental health. Say a prayer of thanks when you open your eyes, speak positive words to yourself, listen to music that will put you in a good mood, and the list goes on! Good things will surely follow you when you start the day with light and love. Practice this day, and you will see changes in your life. 

Your Takeaway

Our mental health is important; how we treat ourselves can affect our outlook. Practice positive thinking daily, even if you take little steps. Over time, you will see the difference in how you handle yourself and others.