A Positivity Mindset

By Mary Skobieranda

There are infinite benefits that ensue from prioritizing positivity as a strategy to improve personal wellbeing. Often, it seems that we are inclined to fall into spells of negativity. These ruts can be difficult to break. Once the cycle begins, it can cause a spiral of dwelling upon the disappointing or unfortunate current circumstances of your life that seem all too prevalent. Yet, many times, there is an abundance of positivity in life that you simply become accustomed to over time and forget to feel grateful for. During this new year, try to identify concrete goals to consistently practice positivity in everyday life, education, career, and relationships; as a result, you may see changes in your mental health. 

People often diminish the extent to which their thoughts and internal world drastically affect their physical day-to-day life. In the same way that you might study to improve your grades or head to the gym to improve your strength and fitness, conscious mental practices have true, observable effects. There are a multitude of ways to invite positivity into your mindset. 

Next time you find yourself falling into a bout of questioning in your head, try to purposefully shift your thinking to expect goodness and beneficial events in your life, even if it feels fabricated at first. With practice, this will become a habit. Look at the current blessings in your life, even if that is as simple as the ability to cook a good meal or call your parent at the end of a long day. Also, increase your awareness of the situations that often cause frustration and refocus that energy somewhere else. Understand the power of your words and speak kindly towards yourself. Lastly, rather than focusing on the “should haves” of the past and doubts about the future, root yourself in the current moment. A lot of negativity in life stems from anxiously blowing events out of proportion and fantasizing situations which never actually occur. Focusing on the present will ultimately shatter these unhealthy habits, and cultivates gratitude for the here and now. Search for the positives currently in your life and to your surprise, you might find that more begin to follow!