How to be happy and more positive

How to train your brain to be more positive and happier

When our brains go negative that can eat away at our productivity, creativity and decision-making skills.

1. Be aware of your negative thoughts

Once you know what negative thoughts are bothering you the most, you can start working on a solution to resolve the problem. For example, if you’re really bothered by a co-worker, then approach your boss with the problem and ask if you can be moved to another part of the office where you don’t have to interact with them as much.

2. Find 3 things to be grateful for

Reflect on your day and think about three good things that happened to you that day. Whether if it was someone buying you a cup of coffee, a beautiful sunset or landing a new client. Even the smallest things, like being paid a compliment, having lunch with an old friend or watching your dog roll around are more than enough to make you happy.

3. Help other people

Whether it’s helping a swamped colleague on a project, holding open a door, buying a stranger a cup of coffee, donating money or volunteering, any acts of kindness can boost happiness.

4. Surround yourself with positive people

Since emotions are contagious, it only makes sense that you would want to surround yourself with positive people who inspire, empower and motivate you.

5. Take care of your body and your mind

Research has found time and time again that taking care of ourselves physically and mentally can influence our happiness and train our brains to be more positive.

6. Do something you love

This may be easier said than done, but one of the best ways to become more positive is making time for something that you absolutely love.

The action doesn’t matter. Just make sure you love it. It may be reading, cooking, playing a sport, going to the movies, planning a camping trip with friends or picking up a new hobby.

7. Give somebody a shoutout

Sharing your gratitude is far very beneficial.

It could be anything like thanking an employee or colleague for all of their hard work, a quick catching up email with a friend, complementing your barista or having a nightly discussion like “What was the best part of your day today?” with your spouse.

It may seem a little awkward at first, but trust me, you’ll feel excellent when you give someone a shoutout.

This books are great to expand on the topic of happiness and being positive:

The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. Amazon.com

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