by Marie Vonow (follow)

Nature (13)      Energy (8)      Holiday (7)      Positive (7)      Journal (3)     

It is easy to get dragged down psychologically by negative influences around us. As well as taking care of our physical health we need to be aware of ways to lift our spirits and bring more positive energy into each day.

• Write down positive quotes you come across. You could record them on your computer or write them in a journal. If you write in a journal or sketch book you may like to add drawings, doodles or some other creative touch to express yourself. Here is a quote to get you started, ‘I’d rather be optimistic and a fool, than pessimistic and right’ (author unknown).

• Cultivate friendships with positive people. Epictetus, an ancient Greek philosopher, said, ‘The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.’

• Read positive books. These can be novels, biographies or self development style books. Subscribe to positive blogs.

• Have a good laugh. Watch comedy on television, the internet or go to see a stand up comedian.

• Limit the time you spend exposing yourself to depressing news in the media.

• Avoid gossip and don’t allow yourself to get dragged into other people’s conflicts.

• Enjoy nature, whether it be a vase of flowers, watching the birds in your garden or looking at the clouds. Go for a walk in a natural environment.

• Listen to uplifting music. This may be instrumental or something with lyrics, depending on your personal taste.

• Do something different. This could be listening to a new type of music, shopping in a different supermarket or going to a museum.

• Go on a holiday or have a weekend away. If money is short, ask a friend in another town if you can stay at her/his house and look after the pets next time your friend goes away. Act like a tourist while you house sit.

• Try writing in a gratitude journal each day.

• Every day for a month take a photo of something that makes you feel happy and store the photos on your computer or print and do scrap booking. If doing this each day for a month is too much pressure, try it for a week.

• Have a lazy day and do not allow yourself to feel guilty. Some people call this a ‘mental health day’.

• Light a candle and enjoy watching the flame flicker. In winter enjoy an open fire or a camp fire.

• Cut yourself some slack. Allow yourself to be negative or have a grumble now and then. Expecting yourself to always be positive is setting yourself up for failure.


# Energy
# Holiday
# Journal
# Nature
# Positive

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