6 Tips for finding optimism

Optimism ... a little goes a long way. What is optimism? According to Wikipedia, optimism is an attitude reflecting a belief of hope that the outcomes or experiences will generally be positive.

Winston Churchill once said: "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

Another example  is that an optimist sees the glass as half full and a pessimist sees it as half empty.

Without further ado, here are a few ways to help you find optimism:

1) Find laughter: These days, laughter isn't hard to find. With YouTube and social media, there is no shortage of memes and videos. Watch a funny movie or hang out with funny people. Laughter will lead you to smiling, and smiling will lead you to feeling good.

2) Use positive words: Studies have shown and confirmed that words can literally shape the reality around us. If you want to build a more positive vibe, try using more positive words. Eliminate negative self talk about yourself, and others as well.

3) Get spiritual and/or actualized: Most spiritual traditions promote a positive outlook on life. If you're not so into organized religion, find something that can provide a positive outlet for you, like exercise, music, art or reading. Just like using positive words can turn our perspective around, filling our hearts and minds with good stuff will help optimism come easier.

4) Find positive people: Avoid negative influences and people who bring you down with complaining and criticism, these people will quickly bring you into a downward spiral and make you feel tired. Find friends who are upbeat, positive and happy. Their resilience and optimism will pass on to you.

5) Turn the frown upside down: It's hard to believe that something as smiling can improve your mood, but studies have linked outward acts of happiness to an internal shift. Practice by looking in the mirror and smile, even if it feels stupid. Hold your smile for a minute, two minutes, or more ... see how long you can go. Start the day off with a smile and make conscious effort to smile more. 

6) Stay healthy: If you're feeling tired and sick, it's easy to get irritable and negative. By contrast, try maintaining an active lifestyle of healthy choices that can maximize your energy levels and build you up. It's easier to be upbeat and happy when you feel good inside and out.

Here are a few songs you might like: 

I make my own sunshine by Chelsea Basham

Don't worry by happy by Bobby McFerrin

Always look on the bright side of life

If you like drinking coffee or tea in the morning, have it in this mug or this one, it'll brighten up your day and put a smile on your face for sure.

Have a wonderful day xxx