Editorial: Five ways to stay positive during tough times

Contributed Photo/Courtesy Joni Kennedy

Column By Marie Barnes

We live in a tense and rapidly changing world. Every day, thousands of little things can drive us crazy. Especially, this relates to a positive person, who is usually open, sincere, and trusts the world and people around. In order to withstand the stresses of everyday life, we need to stick to an effective guideline. Just five simple rules will help you to remain optimistic in any, even the most difficult, life situation. So, here are some tips on how to stay optimistic even in the toughest situations:

1. Be a pragmatic realist and surround yourself with amiable friends

By being a pragmatic realist, you can deal with almost any problem. And try to surround yourself with like-minded friends. Stay as far away as possible from pessimists and those who constantly ridicule others. Remember, a true friend is able to take your problems seriously, despite the possible inconvenience or embarrassment a situation may bear. To maintain a close relationship, it is necessary to have common values and goals with people who are close to you in spirit and who can share your joys and troubles.

2. When you feel bad, look around you. There are thousands of people around who are in a worse situation

Visit orphanages, hospitals, nursing homes. If you still have not overcome your depression, try to reach out to these people, and sincerely share their pain, play with the children, talk to the old people. By helping people who are suffering, you can help yourself by feeling needed and filling your life with a dignified purpose. Try not to panic even in the most critical situations. When dealing with something difficult and unpleasant, first of all, just calmly breathe in and think about what to do next.  

3. Listen to pleasant and inspiring music. Don’t watch the morning news on TV

You cannot change the course of national or international events, but negative information can permanently spoil your mood. Do not be tempted to discuss the current affairs if they put you in distress: it is a waste of time and your health. On your way to work (or just on your way out), try to listen to music you like or programs from your favorite radio stations. Have breakfast and lunch with people who have a positive attitude towards life. Don’t sit in front of the TV all night, but rather talk to the people you love. Of course, in order not to break away from reality, you should monitor the current affairs. At the same time try concentrating on the positive news. Our society as a whole is anxious for various reasons; that is why it is important to configure ourselves to the perception of the positive vibes.

4. Change the style of your expressions. Any phrase must contain a positive attitude

Don’t say, “I’m terribly tired.” It’s better to say, “After a busy and productive day I’m starting to relax now.” Don’t say, “I don’t like my job.” It’s better to say, “My job allows me to support my family.” Do not complain endlessly about the people around you, better try to find and emphasize in each person the best features of their character.

But if you are not able to say like that, you can take a photo of you when you were in a good mood and try to remember your feelings at that moment. “It would be better if it is a beautiful photograph, with bright and sunny colors,” says Photza Visual Content Expert.

5. Learn the principle of a lobster

During a growth stage, the body of the lobster grows faster than its shell, which makes it vulnerable. To avoid attacks, the lobster wraps up in its shell. This continues until a new shell grows. For a human being, any change in life is absolutely normal. Each time we experience change, we face unexpected and unforeseen situations. You don’t have to hide in a ‘shell’ like a lobster.

After all, by hiding under a ‘protective shell’, avoiding problems, preventing changes, we become even more vulnerable. On the contrary, we must have the courage and willpower to face any situation in life with dignity. And the constant sense of optimism that must be cultivated every day will help us to do so.

How can you maintain a positive attitude?

There are times when we cannot avoid going through some negative situations. Someone may hurt us with a rude word intentionally or even unintentionally, we may face some difficulties at work or in personal life – anything can happen when we are not ready to face it. Obviously, in any of these situations, it is difficult to remain positive. We are automatically prepared to respond to this. But it will only make the situation worse.

In the case of people behaving piercingly, the whole day will be imbued with anger and disappointment. No one will win. Thus, while it’s not easy at all, it’s important to remain calm and optimistic in any difficult situation. Below are some tips for you to help you stay calm and rational: