How To Be Optimistic: 7 Positive Thinking Exercises

As the world hurtles towards newer technologies and newer achievements for the human race, our lives are becoming more and more stressful. There is more pressure at work, there’s no time to sit and relax, there is pressure to do more, earn more, achieve more. In this mad race to reach the perfect definition of success that we have made for ourselves in our minds, we forget to sit back and do one very important thing – love ourselves.

Many dismiss this as humbug and a very millennial phenomenon. What we do not realize is that the world has changed, people have changed, our priorities have changed. And in this mad rush, while some of us do pretty well for ourselves, there are others amongst us who do not feel capable of competing so much.

This may lead to self-doubt and self-esteem issues, as well as a cynical and pessimistic outlook towards life. In extreme cases, it might also lead to depression and other mental health issues.

So, is there a magical way to deal with these issues? Unfortunately, even though we would like to believe so, this is not true. There is no miraculous solution to these ghosts that we all carry with us. However, there are ways in which, over a period of time, we can defeat them and break the shackles that they tend to put around our minds.

Here are a few ways in which we can alter the way we look at things so that instead of looking at the negative side of things, we look at the brighter, more optimistic side!

1. Make A Positive Affirmation Every Day

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Positive affirmations are nothing but positive statements that you tell yourself over and over again, till you start believing in them. For example, if you are shy and reserved but would like to change that, keep repeating to yourself, “I am smart. I am confident” over and over again. After having said it a number of times, you’ll also start believing in it, and that is when you’ll see the change happening in you.

2. Create Your Own “Mantra”

A mantra is a chant that is repeated over and over again. Very similar to the positive affirmations mentioned above, this will help you achieve whatever it is that you want to achieve in your life.

3. Indulge In Self-Belief

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The most important thing ever is self-belief. Everyone around you will have varying opinions of who you are and what you are capable of. Shut them all off and focus on your strengths. Sooner or later, you’ll realize that you’ve left them a long way behind and have progressed much further on the path that you have chosen to tread on.

4. Talk To Yourself In The Mirror

The first thing that comes to our minds when we are told to talk to ourselves in the mirror is that scene from the Robert De Niro movie, Taxi Driver, isn’t it? Some of us might find this silly, but the truth is, it really helps. Just try it. Every morning, wake up, look at yourself in the mirror, and tell yourself that you are beautiful. You’ll be surprised how much this very little thing can do in helping you lead a happier and more positive life.

5. Leave The Past Where It Belongs

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Nostalgia has been made so romantic by our poets and writers that many of us tend to dwell only in the past. What we must remember is that what is past is past. We have no control over it. We have no way of changing the things that belong there. What we do have power over is the present. So, let’s focus our energies on that.

6. Say, “Thank You” – A Lot

Much like counting your blessings, this is actually being thankful for everything around you that makes life better, even when it doesn’t feel like it. That stranger who held the elevator for you, the lovely sunset that made everything around you feel golden, the stray puppy who licked your hand and gave you unconditional love – these are all things to be grateful for and to say thank you for. Try writing these down and reading them on especially bad days. You’ll know what we mean.

7. Think And Talk Positive

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You might say this is easier said than done, but we say that this is all about practice! For example, if you are absentminded, instead of telling yourself, “Oh I’m so forgetful!” try saying, “I’m not absentminded. I remember things.” When you keep repeating this every day, you are actually sending a signal to your brain indicating that it’s the truth.

What did you think of these? Do you think they’re worth trying? Let us know in the comments in below!

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