2020 has not been a good year for anybody’s mental health. Looking at the news, it can be more difficult than ever to keep your spirits high, and with extended periods of lockdown, quarantine and self-isolation, people are struggling to stay positive.
But what is staying positive? And how can people keep looking forward in a time so uncertain as this? Here is a short guide to positive thinking and battling negativity:
Set goals and accomplish them
It might sound obvious, but the feeling of accomplishment is a powerful one. Lots of anxiety and negativity can stem from our inability to feel satisfied with what we’ve achieved during a given day.
To combat this, give yourself attainable and practical tasks. They don’t have to be monumental, something as banal as taking out the garbage can give you a sense of progression and movement towards the tasks ahead of you. As you complete smaller goals, you’ll feel more ready to begin bigger and longer ones, ultimately making you more productive and giving you a sense of fulfilment.
Give yourself some slack
We’re often our biggest critics. Even if you feel less successful than people around you, you’re probably the last person to give yourself a break.
Understanding that we all need a bit extra support is vital to keeping a positive mindset. Make sure to be flexible where you can. Give yourself time in your plans for the future. Didn’t get where you thought you’d be in a year’s time? Don’t sweat it, and keep working on yourself. After all, it’s about the journey, not the destination.
Get spiritual
Often overlooked, spirituality can be a fantastic outlet. Meditation is scientifically linked to better mental and physical well being.
There are a multitude of alternative spiritual practices you might not have considered such as horoscopes, astrology and tarot readings which are recommended for those looking to grow their mindfulness and proactively work on their positive attitude. These methods can offer an avenue for guidance and recommendations on life choices. While you don’t have to follow the advice strictly, they can be a brilliant way to widen your perspective and introduce new ideas into your thought process. Why not give it a try on this site for free.
Be grateful for the things you have
Staying positive is based upon a foundation of being grateful for the good things in life. No matter what might be going, there will be something you can be thankful for. It might be a friend, a loved one, or perhaps a special interest. Whatever you can be thankful for, write it down on a list and keep it for reference. As time goes on, you can add to the list and reflect on how your positivity grows.
Read positively
Other human experiences are doorways into empathy and understanding. By reading books and quotes on positivity, you can create a path towards mental calm. Through reading, you can expand your mental toolkit and develop stronger mechanisms for coping with negativity.
James Wallace has been an advocate for mental health awareness for years. He holds a master’s degree in counselling from the University of Edinburgh.
