Whether you are looking for an answer to your current problems, or a believer in the power of positivity, then try these positive thinking techniques that really do work.
It’s easy to let the world around you drag you down. The grind of daily life, relationship problems, financial difficulties et cetera can all get the better of you at times .
However there are some really practical, simple and straight forward positive thinking techniques that can give you a boost in times when you need a lift.
Okay, let’s get real. You shouldn’t rely on the following techniques to solve all the underlying reasons why you are feeling down. But they can help you find out how to develop the positive attitude you need to succeed and make the world seem a much more positive place.
This in turn will encourage you to change your way of thinking. As soon as you start to look upon your situation in a more positive light, it opens the door to more positive things, circumstances, people and places to enter in.
You just need that initial trigger to help you turn the corner. These simple positive thinking techniques may help you do just that!
1. Great positive thinking techniques – Reframing
Reframing is a way of viewing and experiencing events, ideas, concepts and emotions to find more positive alternatives. It’s a strategy often used by coaches and therapists to help people look at situations from a different perspective.
Here is an example of how it can work. Simply take a step back from your life and try and view it with some detachment. Is your life really that bad?
Are you struggling to find food each day? Is the world going to end if your situation doesn’t improve?
No, of course not, the only permanent in life is change. So whilst you may feel down at the moment (for whatever reason), put things into perspective.
If you have the means to be reading this website on your Smartphone or online, then you are already very lucky when you consider the following:
“Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.”
“At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day.”
When you put your life and problems into perspective, you may start to feel a little better about them. Reframing is a great way to develop a positive attitude in no time at all!
2. Gratefulness
How often have you sat and thought, yes, I’m really lucky to have close family and friends, a job to go to, access to advanced healthcare, education and so on?
There are lots of things in your life to be grateful for. So be grateful for them. Get used to the feeling of gratitude and thankfulness for all the things that you already have!
Once you feel thankful and realize what you already have, it then gives you a foothold to propel yourself forward and to have another go at overcoming any challenging situations that you may be facing.
3. Smiling
Yes simply smiling can make you feel happy. Normally people think that we smile as a result of being happy but you can actually do the reverse.
Put the smile on your face and then it will make you feel happy. You shouldn’t be surprised that scientists have proven that this sort of backwards way of feeling good actually works, for more information try this source.
4. Sing
There may not be any scientific research or smart quotes to support this positive thinking technique. However, just try it.
If you are feeling blue, simply recall one of your favourite happy songs and sing it out aloud. Go ahead and give it a try.
It is virtually impossible to sing one of your favourite songs and remain in the same state of feeling, it will almost inevitably lift your mood. Sing along to a CD, DVD or whatever; but make sure you give this a try as it is so effective.
5. Effective positive thinking techniques – Exercise
Without doubt exercise is a positive thinking technique that rarely fails!
Going to the gym and working out. Taking a long leisurely walk. Swimming for half an hour. Completing a boxercise or spinning class. A round of golf, jogging or cycling. The list goes on.
All of these things give you an ideal outlet for your energies. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters which give you the natural high feeling.
Not only does exercise put you in a positive frame of mind, there are so many health related benefits that you really should embrace this option.
Exercise can improve your mood, boost your confidence, increase your social interaction, improve your quality of life. It is a great coping mechanism that improves self-image and helps you sleep better.
6. Meditation
Meditation really is one of the best positive thinking techniques. Within the space of a few short minutes you can transform your thought pattern from one of being confused, mixed up, agitated, stressed and generally down to one of light freedom, clarity of thought, harmony and peacefulness.
This really can all be done within the space of a few minutes silent meditation. Just find a quiet spot, take a seat and close your eyes. Start drawing deep breaths and try to empty your mind of thoughts.
You can do these by simply focusing on one or two key words. Try focusing on the word ‘calm’ when you breathe in, and ‘relax’ when you breathe out. Focus solely on these words and it tends to block everything else out.
Another method is to try the same thing but if other thoughts enter your mind, acknowledge the thought, label it and then let it go.
For example, if a thought enters your head about a work deadline, simply mentally say to myself, “that is a thought about a work deadline”. Accept the thought and then let it drift off.
There may well be other thoughts that follow this. You can simply do the same with all the thoughts that enter.
Eventually the thoughts will reduce in number. Your mind will begin to calm and settle, allowing you to focus on your breathing and leave a much clearer mind.
This is such a powerful tool to use as an ongoing habit, so give it a try!
