Mastering Positive Thinking: Techniques for Everyday Optimism

There are times when ruminations, gloomy thoughts and pessimistic thinking can overrun the mind. While it’s important to explore and feel your emotions, too much negativity can harm your mental and physical health.

Specifically, negative thinking can trigger the body’s stress response and cause worry. It may also hinder your ability to foster healthy relationships, achieve your goals and find fulfillment in life.

Fortunately, it is possible to change the way you think. In this guide, we’re walking you through several techniques to master positive thinking.

#1 Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is one way to shift your mind toward a more positive outlook. You can begin by waking up each day and, before reaching for your phone, a cup of coffee or your toothbrush, think of three things you’re thankful for. Maybe you’re thankful to your partner for taking out the dog and giving you 10 extra minutes of sleep, or, simply, the roof over your head.

By practicing gratitude first thing in the morning, you can begin your day with a positive mindset.

If you feel negative thoughts bubble up throughout the day, take time to acknowledge the thought, and then shift your thoughts toward gratitude. Reflect on the positive aspects of your life and find something to be thankful for in each situation. Whether it's a small moment of kindness from a stranger, a beautiful sunset or a lesson learned from a challenging experience, there is always something to appreciate.

If needed, you can also bring along a journal to jot down the things you’re thankful for to help maintain a positive attitude throughout the day.

#2 Be Mindful

Mindfulness is all about staying in the present moment, rather than ruminating over real or potential negative situations of the past or future. There are several ways to incorporate mindfulness into your day to day:

Deep breathing – There are various deep breathing techniques available to you. One of the most popular perhaps is the 4-4-8 strategy. When you feel negativity arise, take some time aside to sit quietly. Breathe in for four seconds, hold the air in your lungs for four more and then slowly breathe out through your mouth for another eight seconds. Repeat the cycle as needed until you can feel your thoughts subside and your body relax.
Meditation – Meditation incorporates breathing techniques but takes it a step further. First, find a quiet, distraction-free environment to sit or lie down. If you’re just beginning, feel free to close or lightly rest your eyes. Concentrate on the air entering and leaving your body. If a negative thought arises, acknowledge it and then set it free. Do not ruminate on the thoughts that come up to reduce any brain chatter.
Yoga – There are many forms of yoga, from the novice to the advanced. No matter your level of experience, yoga can help you focus on the present moment and pay attention to tensions and sensations within your body. For specific techniques to relieve stress through yoga, check out our comprehensive guide on yoga poses for stress. Additionally, our other article on how to meditate during yoga can help you integrate mindfulness and meditation seamlessly into your routine, enhancing both mental and physical wellness.
Mindful activities– Slow down to refocus your energy by going on a walk, washing your dishes, journaling or crafting.

#3 Shift Your Perspective

When battling negative thoughts, one thing to remember is that your thoughts are not facts. It’s easy for your thoughts to become skewed based on your personal biases or circumstances.

To shift your perspective to a more positive outlook, consider:

Confronting your inner critic – Challenge negative thought patterns by identifying the voice in your head as something other than yourself. Give it a name, give it a personality, but know that it’s not representative of reality. Ask yourself if there’s evidence to support them. Also, be aware of when you resort to black-and-white thinking or catastrophizing. If you think something negative, stop it in its tracks and replace it with a more neutral or positive thought.
Practicing self-compassion – If you’re a person who experiences negative self-talk, consider switching the script. Approach yourself with kindness and understanding, acknowledging that everyone experiences challenges, setbacks and negative thoughts from time to time. Take a step back and view yourself as a friend — what would you say to them to give them support in this situation?
Seeking support – If you’re finding it difficult to give yourself the support and optimism you need, consider seeking help from loved ones or healthcare professionals. Sharing your thoughts with others can help to broaden your perspective, receive validation and challenge negative thinking patterns.
Setting realistic goals – It’s common for the outer world to seep into the inner world. If you’re a person who cultivates negative thinking as a result of perceived failures, consider setting realistic expectations for yourself to prevent feelings of overwhelm or self-criticism. Rather, create manageable steps to meet your goals.

#4 Seek Natural Solutions

For those who are overcome by daily feelings of stress or overwhelm, it can be beneficial to incorporate natural solutions to ease the mind and body, such as CBD. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound of the hemp plant that’s believed to have relaxing effects.

Another key CBD oil benefit is that it may also support better sleep, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. A well-rested mind and body can also make it easier to maintain a balanced perspective and avoid spiraling into negative thinking patterns throughout the day.

There are a variety of CBD products available on the market, from CBD gummies and CBD chewable tablets to CBD oils and CBD topicals. Each interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a vast network of receptors to help provide physical and mental health benefits such as improved:

Sleep
Mood
Appetite
Memory

Zebra CBD: Positivity in Every Drop

Everyone can struggle with negative thinking from time to time. Fortunately, there are ways to get yourself out of a funk of pessimism. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness can help shift your perspective to more positive thinking. And, if you’re looking for additional support, there is our CBD online selection.

At Zebra CBD, we craft each of our CBD products with premium hemp extract to deliver serenity with every serving. Start your day with a few of our CBD gummies for sale or ease your muscles after a long day with a CBD topical. We also craft CBD oils that you can add to your favorite mood-boosting meal, whether that’s a colorful assortment of grains and veggies or a late-night ice cream sundae.

Positive thoughts begin with Zebra CBD.

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