Staying Positive In Tough Times

As we come to the end of what for many of us has been a challenging year, and are probably facing more of the same next year (and let’s be honest, for a few more years), I want to offer some suggestions on getting and staying a bit more positive. Stay with me here - this isn’t a ‘think happy thoughts and you’ll get everything you want’ issue - oh no. Personally I don’t subscribe to the ‘happyism’ prevalent in airport books that hail from the land where two-thirds of global anti-depressant sales are made. This is about learning from those who seem better able to surf the tough times (they get them too) and building on those lessons.

Here are five suggestions to try:

1. Nurture important relationships

Because they are life-affirming and enhancing - and help us keep things in perspective.

2. Practise mindfulness

According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way - on purpose, in the present moment and without judgment. For more on this try Jon’s audio book, Mindfulness for Beginners

3. Beware comparing

Apparently bronze medal winners are happier than their podium neighbours with silver medals. Why? Because they’re happy to be on the podium at all, whereas silver is making a negative comparison about themselves. Remember there are plenty of souls worse off than you and beware of doing yourself down with negative comparisons.

4. Help others

Giving money to deserving causes is always good. Giving our time can be harder, yet far more worthwhile. Offer hospitality beyond the festive season.

5. Begin NOW

Don’t wait until you feel motivated/the sun comes out/the weekend/you’ve lost the weight: take action now. Accepting our imperfections and taking first steps gets us out of our own heads and on track. Staying positive isn’t just about thinking, it’s about doing, on a daily basis.

There are more tips where these came from: sign up to my monthly newsletter before the end of January and you’ll be able to access them.