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Keeping a positive attitude

Keeping a positive attitude



A positive attitude is a great trait to carry with you because it makes any difficult or frustrating situation a lot easier to manage. If you look at most scenarios as “glass half empty,” maybe it’s time to change that! Looking at things with a “glass half full” perspective is a small thought process that makes a big difference. Research suggests there are lasting benefits to keeping a positive attitude:

• Longer life span because of overall lower stress levels

• Lower chance of depression

• More resistance to sicknesses like the common cold

• Increased physical and mental well being

• Less risk of death from cardiovascular disease

• More developed coping skills during challenges

Finally, your positive attitude and energy will be contagious and will result in more overall motivation, more friends and many more happy memories. Here are some ways to observe Positive Attitude Month:

• Think positively. Expect great things. Challenge yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. If you struggle to keep a good attitude, here are a few steps you can take to move past that.

• Write it down. List the challenging things in your life and identify triggers that cause negativity; the things that really upset you and cause you to lose your cool. Seeing them on paper can help you recognize and address them when they happen in real life. Cross them off when you are able to overcome them.

• Let go of unrealistic expectations. Sometimes, negativity begins with unrealistic expectations of yourself or others. Understand that nobody is perfect and the imperfections add character! They make life real and interesting. If you can learn to work with that, you and those around you will be much happier.

• Practice grace. Forgive yourself and others. Do not dwell on past mistakes or keep a record of wrongs.

• Respond, don’t react. Change can be difficult to manage, but if you take a breath and give yourself some time to think, you’ll find the clarity you need to respond in a positive manner.

• Surround yourself with positive people. We know you hear it all the time, but if you can do that, you’ll start to see how happy and successful people think, and you’ll likely start to think the same way.

• Practice an attitude of gratitude. Remind yourself of all that is good and that you are grateful for – you might be surprised.