1. Focus on the small good things that happen to you throughout the day instead of focusing on the negatives.
A proven way to make yourself more positive and more happy is the ability to look at more positives in comparison to negatives. When you focus on the positive aspects of life you are strengthening the neural connections in your brain to continue to look for these happy and positive moments. The reverse is also true; if you continuously look at the negatives of life, or focus on them in your brain, then you are strengthening those negative connections. The feelings regarding happiness and sadness are connected to which neural impulses your brain is sending out. Focus on the small positive things; just this slight shift will brighten your mood.
2. Walk around with a smile on your face!
Another psychological trick towards making any day better is by forcing yourself to smile despite however you are feeling. If you force yourself to smile you are tricking your brain into thinking you are in a good mood. Who knew that by faking to be happy your brain that you actually are happy! As my mom always used to say, ‘Fake it til you make it!’
3. If you can’t find positive things, make them happen!
You have the power every day to make positive things happen around you, you do not have to sit and feel like you are wasting your life. You can fill your days with activities that you like to do and things that will make you happy. You don’t need life to give you positive events, you can create them!
4. If all of these things feel impossible, you can start by making a list!
Start by making a list of all of the things your need to do and then set them aside all of the things that you want to do. Finish what is absolutely mandatory first, and make sure that you take time for yourself so you can balance work and fun. One of the best ways to be positive is to be both productive, and to reward yourself with activities that you find fun. Don’t be afraid to live it up!
5. If none of these things work, reach out to a friend!
Reach out to someone who knows what would make you feel better, and go do that with them! If you feel absolutely helpless in making your day better then you should have to enlist the recruits! You’re never alone!