Tips on How to Think Positively

We all feel grumpy, negative, or downright depressed sometimes. When things are difficult, it’s easy to see the downside of any situation. However, if your negative thinking tendencies are beginning to affect your overall mood, relationships, and everyday life, it may be time to seek help. Dr. Devers and Associates of Philly Family Life Counseling LLC are here with a few tips on how to think positively.

5 Tips on How to Think Positively

Shifting to a new mindset isn’t always easy or natural; it takes practice, effort, and time just like honing any other skill. However, even a little progress can start to make all the difference when it comes to your mental health. Here are 5 tips that can help you start to think more positive thoughts:

1. Reframe negative thoughts – This may be difficult at first; sometimes we don’t even know we’re thinking negative thoughts. But once we start actively paying attention, it becomes easier to notice them. Once we do that, we can start trying to reframe negative thoughts into more positive ones. For instance, if you’re learning guitar, it’s easy to feel discouraged, but if you notice yourself thinking, “I suck at guitar,” try reminding yourself “I’m better at guitar than I was yesterday.” Over time, this starts to become natural.
2. Practice offering kindness toward yourself – At first this may feel strange. What does that even mean? Being kind toward yourself is offering yourself grace and forgiveness. You don’t have to be great at everything and it’s okay to make mistakes. Do things you enjoy. Lifting your own spirits or mood leads to more positive thoughts about yourself and the world.
3. Find gratitude – Reasons to be grateful exist everywhere, both big and small, like a coworker who makes your day better or admiring your pet laying in their favorite sunny spot. Finding gratitude in these everyday things will brighten your outlook tremendously.
4. Do a good deed for someone else – It doesn’t have to be huge. Even helping a stranger with a bag of groceries or messaging a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while can feel great. Putting some good out into the world can help you feel like you’re making a difference. When the world feels a little lighter, so do you!
5. Shake up your routine – It might seem small, but this one goes a long way. We all crave enrichment. Habits can feel safe and secure, but sometimes our brains get tired or bored of the same old thing. Try taking a new route to work, try a new dish at your favorite restaurant, or instead of watching a show after dinner, try doing a puzzle! The new environment will stimulate your brain and you might find it easier to think positively after a change.

Dr. Devers and Associates Can Help You Shift Your Mindset

Shifting from a negative mindset to a positive one can be difficult. But you don’t have to do it on your own! Dr. Devers and Associates at Philly Family Life Counseling LLC are experienced counselors and life coaches who can help you reframe your negative thinking habits and provide you with the tools you need to turn your mindset around. For more information, call us at 215-677-3810 between the hours of 9-5pm or fill out our online form. You don’t have to feel pessimistic about your life; the road to a happy life starts with the first step. Call us today!