As we live go through our daily lives, we all find there are situations beyond our control. It could be the loss of a friend or loved one, unemployment, tough economic times, or even a world crisis. Maintaining a positive outlook is important for our health and well-being, experts tell us, and it’s something we can teach ourselves to achieve even when our environment becomes challenging. Here are four ways to stay positive when times are tough.
1. Set aside an early quiet time.
Establishing time for yourself in the morning helps the mind focus, gives you peace before you start your day, and allows a few moments for you to be free from the day’s most pressing issues. You may decide to meditate or pray, write a to-do list, or just sit on the porch and enjoy your morning coffee.
2. Take a green walk on your lunch break.
Revisit the peace of your early morning quiet time by connecting with nature on your lunch break. Just walk outside around your home, in a nearby park, or on the grounds of your company campus. Afterwards, you’ll feel more connected to living things — and you’ll be more positive about the rest of your day.
3. Exercise daily.
Health experts say that you don’t have to train for a triathlon in order to stay healthy and have a positive outlook on life. Exercising three times a day for just ten minutes at a time can lift your spirits and improve your long-term health. You can choose any of a variety of activities: walking, jogging, going for a bike ride, or even practicing a martial arts routine.
4. Keep in touch and stay connected.
Finally, maintain your sense of belonging, especially if you are working remotely or looking for a job. Try to have coffee or lunch with someone at least twice a week, either in person or virtually. And use today’s technologies to regularly touch bases with friends and family. Return the routine phone call during your work day with pleasant words, and smile while you do it. Scientists say that smiling actually does make us feel happier — and that when we have a more positive outlook, more people will enjoy engaging with us.
In short, staying positive during tough times helps maintain your physical and emotional health. It also helps us fulfill the need to maintain some sense of belonging. And if you remain positive during tough times and put forth your best effort, you’re more likely to attract that next job or nurture that on-going friendship.
