Practice optimism. Take a story with a bad outcome and automatically imagine the opposite ending. Take bad news and think what it would take for it to become good news. Focus on the positive. Build the mentality to default to optimism.
“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.”
Anais Nin
The smell of freshly cut grass always makes me breathe deeply and feel so good. Which smells make you feel instantly relaxed? Make a note what they are, and if you can, bottle them!
“No man is a failure who is enjoying life.”
William Feather
Very often, action – even if subsequently proven to be the wrong action – feels much better than doing nothing. Act!
“Buy the ticket, take the ride.” Hunter S. Thompson
Support of others buoys us; equally, societal or peer pressure – both of which are constant – can douse our spirits. Consciously decide where you will allow others to influence you. Set meaningful goals, and these will help you do this.
“Set your course by the stars, not the lights of very passing ship.” Omar Bradley
For breakthrough thinking which stems from quality relaxation, try a hot tub (or sauna). It worked for one of the ancient worlds’ greatest philosophers, Pythagoras.
“Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE. The word itself says ‘I’m possible.” Audrey Hepburn
So many of us are truly happy when we are in expansive/creative moods.
Use today, 'International Creativity & Innovation Day,' to talk with a colleague or friend about a new idea you have.
"Love the life you live. Live the life you love." Bob Marley
When working out, whether jogging, swimming, cycling or lifting weights, if you exercise to the best of your ability, you will find an oasis from negativity.
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." Henry David Thoreau
Today, call someone who could do with hearing a familiar voice. Perhaps your voice? Make their day. You'll feel great!
"Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions."
Mark Twain
No-one likes to be trapped. By providing yourself with some options, you not only free yourself from constraints but in doing so you also change your mindset.
"You are braver than you believe, smarter than you seem, and stronger than you think."
A.A. Milne/Winnie the Pooh
Immerse yourself in a great novel. Be absorbed by the narrative of others and in so doing escape your own world whilst learning something new.
"What the caterpillar calls the end of life, the master calls a butterfly."
Illusions: Richard Bach
Those that have 'complete faith' do not need hope, as they have total belief that all things are as they are meant to be and will work out for the best.'
"Let your hopes not your hurts shape your future."
Robert H Schuller
A deeply relaxed person breathes significantly less than someone hyperventilating. If you can breathe slightly more slowly, you will enhance your health, mentality and outlook.
"Come what may, all bad fortune is conquered by endurance."
Virgil
Our dreams are the window to what is possible and what we hope for. While we dream, all things are possible and we are truly alive. Ensure you get a good night's sleep.
"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will get you everywhere."
Albert Einstein
There are things that wind you up, that dial up the tension in your life. Consciously plan to limit, if not remove these things one by one. Do this, and if nothing else, you will feel less stressed.
"Everyone is born a genius, but the process of living de-geniuses them."
Buckminster Fuller
Seeing things in context makes them more understandable. And, what we understand brings us closer to acceptance, if not change. Take a break from your current situation and give yourself a chance t see it for what it is.
"Most of the problems in life are for two reasons: We act without thinking or we keep thinking without acting."
Zig Ziglar
The scent of a rose, of lavender, or frangipani, are all classic and uplifting. The body responds with serotonin, which in turn relaxes the brain.
"A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials."
Seneca
Nietzsche, the German philosopher, famously believed that the formula for happiness was, in his words, 'amar fati' - don't hope! Accept all things the way they are, and in so doing, take the pressure off yourself. Then strive to achieve your goals.
"Set your course by the stars, not the lights of every passing ship."
Omar Bradley