We are approaching the tail-end of the year and, well, we have not been impressed with 2020. As we grapple with the unexpected events thrown at us, it’s more important than ever to protect and preserve your mental health – starting with positivity. Positivity is a practice. No, really, it is. It’s tempting to look at glass-half-full people and assume they were born that way, or that they’ve had an easy life – but the reality is that positivity is a practice and a mindset that can be developed regardless of circumstances or genetics. Today, we’re sharing three simple ways to practice positivity in your life.

  1. Positive self talk. Self talk is your internal monologue. It’s the way you respond to and process everything in your life – your thoughts, your beliefs, and how you treat yourself. If your self talk is negative; if it focuses on problems and is full of self-blame, your overall attitude and perspective will be negative.To change negative self talk into positive self talk, identify problematic thoughts and biases, and reframe them. If you catch yourself thinking: “I failed at that interview,” replace it with: “I’m proud of myself for trying, and I learned something for next time.”
  2. Celebrate the little things. Get some fresh air. Go for a walk and look at the patterns of the leaves against the sky, and the shapes of shadows at different times of day. Notice the sights and scents of your neighborhood; people cooking out, flowers blooming, dogs attempting to break all social distancing rules while their owners hold them back.Write down your favorite moments in a gratitude journal – you can use a paper journal or a digital app like Zinnia.
  3. Surround yourself with positivity. Aside from changing negative self talk, and seeking out the good that exists around you, you can also intentionally cultivate an atmosphere of positivity in your life. Here are some suggestions:
  • Limit your news intake and be intentional about using positive social media sources.
  • Have a dedicated social media account for creative inspiration – only follow uplifting sources.
  • Read uplifting books, like Ross Gay’s Book of Delights.
  • Use a journaling app like Zinnia to create a Vision Board. Use your vision board to visualize how you want your life to look: job, location, relationships.
  • Memorize some go-to self talk phrases that resonate with you. Print them out, put them on your mirror, fridge, and door.
  • Practice mindfulness by coloring something beautiful on the Pigment app.

There are lots of ways to practice positivity, and if the options feel overwhelming, start with one and go from there. Try to be consistent and intentional – and remember to have fun. You’ve got this!