I often hear that I am a very positive person, and yes, I do strive to look on the bright, sunny side of situations. Finding optimism even in difficult times can lead to stronger mindsets.
I call a positive attitude the invisible muscle, one we must develop to be resilient. But in our challenging, fast-paced world, how do we protect ourselves and still maintain a happy, positive outlook?
I am a huge fan of gratitude journaling, which is one way to build optimism. Every morning and night, I fill my pages with lists of things I am grateful for, which are typically expressed as bullet points. These include my dog, Shadows; the birds singing in the morning; my amazing supportive friends and family; the golden sun that filters through the trees into my window; my neighbors and my amazing job.
Being grateful for small things like sunlight through a window, birdsong, a beautiful spring day, the beach or even a great cup of coffee are what we call “micro moments,” and when you savor these moments, it helps you fortify your mind for dealing with negativity and adversity.
Journaling is one great way to cultivate a grateful spirit, and here are some other ways to ensure your attitude stays on the sunny side:
Sleep:
It all starts with a good night’s rest. More than one-third of all adults don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, and there is a direct correlation between sleep quality and overall happiness.
Nutrition:
Consider this: If you sit in front of your computer for 8, 9 or 10 hours and are not drinking and eating well, it will have a scientific effect on your body and the way you navigate your own internal challenges. Hangry is real, and junk food causes bad moods. That is where the spiral can begin and where cravings come in.
Active movement:
Yes, movement really does make you happy. Exercise generates endorphins, which are chemicals the body produces to relieve stress and pain. Walking, running, swimming, yoga or sweating it out in the gym all will help you reduce the risk of major depression. Now is the perfect time to take a beach stroll, soak up the sun and get your natural Vitamin D.
Limit screen time:
Another great habit for building a positive mindset is avoiding your phone first thing in the morning. I know this is a struggle for many of us.
When we reach for our phones, we become reactive, and that can change our intended path. We have an opportunity each night to determine what kind of day we will have when we wake up. Our phones can be a vortex of doom, stealing our time and energy. Spend that time instead with your gratitude journal.
Now that you have some strategies for building a positive mindset, go embrace optimism and make it a sunny, positive spring.
Karol Brandt is an executive host with Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, as well as co-author of the Amazon best-seller “The Struggle is Real: Finally Break the Dieting Cycle, Transform Your Mind and Body, and Evolve into The Person You Have Always Wanted to Be” and the “30-Day Evolve Challenge Journal.” Contact Brandt by email at karol.brandt@scarletpearlcasino.com, Facebook/ The Struggle Is Real or Instagram at karolbrandtnola.
