A sunny disposition isn't just about smiling — it's about making a commitment to finding the bright side in every situation, even when clouds loom.
To cultivate a positive mindset and nix negative thoughts or negative self-talk on a daily basis, dedicate yourself to nurturing positive thoughts that uplift and inspire. Practice mindfulness to stay present, make time for gratitude and surround yourself with supportive relationships that encourage growth and optimism.
Let’s explore each of these tips in more detail below.
#1 Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a conscious thought process that allows you to fully anchor yourself in the present moment. As a result, you can prevent your mind from lingering in the troubles of the past or exploring the potential stressors of the future.
Rather, you play an active part in observing the thoughts, feelings and physical sensations that arise in the moment without judgment. For some, identifying these emotions can be a helpful way to gain clarity, perspective and a better sense of self-understanding. Others may prefer to simply observe the sensations, allowing them to exist and pass on like leaves in a river, without taking hold. This is perfect practice to carry out in tandem with a digital detox, as disconnecting from the stressors and distractions of the digital world will make it easier to live presently and maintain positive thinking.
Ultimately, mindfulness is a tool that can help reduce stress, boost your mood and enhance your overall mental health and well-being.
To practice mindfulness throughout the day, consider incorporating:
- Mindful eating – If food is a potential trigger that can lead to low moods or feelings of self-doubt or judgment, try mindful eating. It can help foster a healthier relationship with food by promoting a non-judgmental attitude and positive thoughts towards eating habits and reducing the likelihood of emotional eating or negative self-perception related to food choices. To incorporate this practice, take a moment to tune into how your body feels and its hunger and fullness cues. Chew slowly and savor the flavors and textures.
- Meditation – If you feel negative emotions arise, it can be helpful to take some space to realign your mind and body. Meditation can help to quiet negative self-talk or general negative thinking by allowing you to observe your thoughts without becoming entangled in them. It provides a space for introspection and inner peace, allowing negative emotions to dissipate and making room for clarity and emotional balance.
- Deep breathing techniques– Deep, relaxed breathing can signal to our brains and bodies that we’re safe. If you’re in a stressful situation, take the time to remove yourself and breathe in deeply through your nose. Hold your breath for a few seconds before exhaling slowly, allowing the air to completely empty from your lungs. Repeat as necessary. This is a great practice for when you're short on time but need a quick way to ground yourself - it can be done during breaks at work or anytime you have a free slot throughout the day.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) – CBD is a compound of the hemp plant that can help your mind and body enter a state of relaxation. Specifically, it’s believed to interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate mood and facilitate positive feelings overall. You can incorporate CBD into your existing habits - adding a couple drops of our CBD hemp oil for sale to your daily cup of coffee or tea to make premium CBD coffee and CBD tea at home is a great place to start.
#2 Embrace a Gratitude Mindset
If you find yourself in a mental rut, negative thoughts and negative emotions may be bouncing back and forth, overwhelming you with feelings of self-doubt, judgment and discontent. Consciously shifting your mindset to gratitude can help:
- Reduce feelings of sadness, apathy and resentment
- Lessen feelings of stress, nervousness and displeasure
- Support heart health by regulating blood pressure
- Calm the nervous system
- Improve your quality of sleep
There are several ways to prioritize gratitude in your day to day, such as:
- Keeping a gratitude journal – Explore the extensive benefits of journaling. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or an act of reflection before bed, keeping a gratitude journal can help you shift to a more positive outlook. In the journal, write down three things you’re thankful for, reflect on several things that went well during your day, or put down some general words of affirmation. This shift can help you notice and appreciate the good things in your life more consistently, fostering a sense of contentment and resilience even during challenging times.
- Expressing thankfulness to loved ones– While private reflections are certainly helpful, expressing your gratitude outwardly can deepen your connections and strengthen relationships, fostering a more positive mindset. Take the time to express your gratitude to a loved one or positive person in your life verbally or in writing to uplift yourself and those around you.
- Redirecting your thoughts– During the day, be aware of when negative thoughts begin to arise. Then, make a conscious effort to shift your negative mindset, such as viewing your situation with a birds eye view. From there, you can see the situation with more objectivity, adjust your thought patterns and prioritize growth and learning, rather than judgment or resentment.
#3 Connect With Loved Ones
Connecting with loved ones is essential for fostering meaningful relationships, nurturing emotional well-being and developing a healthy sense of self-identity. In times of difficulty, these connections also provide a valuable support network, offering comfort and perspective.
Whether it's through face-to-face interactions, phone calls or virtual meetings, make time to connect with your loved ones. These connections can provide a sense of belonging, support and joy. Further, sharing laughter, stories and even challenges with loved ones can create a sense of understanding and foster bonds that can withstand the test of time. It's during these moments of connection that we feel understood, valued and supported, which in turn, boosts our self-esteem and overall happiness and positivity.
Further, research has shown that strong social connections foster:
- Lower levels of stress
- Improved mood
- Better mental health
- Conflict-resolution and problem-solving skills
- Self confidence and trust in others
- Sense of community
To prioritize connecting with loved ones, carve out dedicated time in your schedule for meaningful interactions. This could mean scheduling regular family dinners, organizing outings with friends or simply making an effort to reach out and catch up. You can even involve your loved ones in your mindfulness and gratitude practices, inviting them to explore the benefits of outdoor exercise with group yoga or join you in a side-by-side journaling session.
Actively listening and showing genuine interest in their lives can also strengthen these relationships and build trust.
Cultivate Your Positive Mindset With Help from Zebra CBD
When you feel bogged down by external challenges and internal struggles, adopting healthy habits that foster positivity can help uplift your mood and navigate difficult times with awareness. Specifically, it’s helpful to engage in activities that promote positive thinking like mindfulness, gratitude journaling and time with family and friends.
And to further support your positive mindset, there’s Zebra CBD.
Our premium CBD products are crafted to promote relaxation, balance and optimism, whether you add a few drops of CBD oil to a calming cup of tea, indulge in our CBD edibles like hemp pills and our CBD gummies for sale to boost your mood or pick a CBD topical. Incorporating Zebra CBD into your daily routine offers a natural way to support your well-beingholistically and make a positive change in your daily life.
Before you start your CBD journey, answer all your pending questions, from the rules on traveling with CBD internationally to how it can be used for increasing productivity. Embrace the bright side with Zebra CBD.
Sources:
- Psychology Today. Mindfulness. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/mindfulness
- Headspace. Breathing Exercises. https://www.headspace.com/meditation/breathing-exercises
- UCLA Health. Health Benefits of Gratitude. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/health-benefits-gratitude
- University Health. Why Spending Time With Family is Important. https://www.universityhealth.com/blog/family-time