Now that 2020 is behind us and we're settling into 2021, it’s time to start looking ahead to the future, even though we're still living in a pandemic. Given how difficult the past year has been for all of us around the world, if you’re having a hard time thinking positively, you’re not alone. There’s no guarantee the rest of 2021 will be perfect, but with the right attitude, you can still make the most of the year ahead.
Here are 6 simple tips to foster and maintain a positive outlook throughout the year:
1. Commit to Positivity
Life is full of challenges and the only thing that really matters is how you respond to them. Instead of reacting to difficult situations with negativity or fear, embrace the opportunity to rise above. Commit to starting each day with a positive attitude and be mindful about how you act in the face of difficulty.
2. Get a Handle on Negative Self-Talk
Though you may not always be aware of it, we all have a stream of self-talk running through our heads. It may seem harmless but using negative language even in your own thoughts can affect your emotions and how you perceive the world around you. When you notice yourself thinking negatively, try to reframe your thoughts in a more constructive if not positive light.
3. Set Goals for the Rest of the Year
You can’t always predict what life is going to throw your way but setting goals for yourself may help you keep moving in a forward direction. By setting short- and long-term goals for the year ahead, you’ll feel like you’re making progress. Each milestone you hit will serve as motivation to strive for the next.
4. Take Time to Unwind
Stress is a constant in life for many people, but if you don’t take time to unwind that stress can start to negatively affect your mental and physical health. It’s important to take time for yourself on a regular basis, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day. Make time to do something you enjoy or give meditation a try. Yoga is a great activity for stress relief as well and you can find online yoga classes and instructional videos online to get started.
5. Be Grateful for What You Have
It’s too easy to get caught up in the things that don’t go your way. If you want to maintain a positive outlook, however, you may want to shift your focus to the things you do have and away from the things you don’t. Start a gratitude journal to make note of the things you have to be thankful for and you may find that, over time, you find it becomes easier to recognize the good things over the bad.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Changing your attitude can be difficult and it may not be something you can do entirely on your own. Speaking to a licensed therapist – or even a trusted friend – can help you pinpoint some of the triggers for negativity in your life as well as patterns of negative thinking. Talk to your healthcare professional or schedule a telepsychiatry consultation to get the help you need from the comfort of your own home.
Life is unpredictable. There’s no guarantee that this year will be completely different from the last, but you have the power to choose how you respond to the challenges life throws your way. With a positive attitude and a little self-awareness, you can make 2021 a year to celebrate.
By Amelia Ma
Amelia Ma is a freelance writer with over 10 years of experience from San Francisco, California. She enjoys writing articles for professionals that are interested in self-improvement, health, and wellness.
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