Seven Ways to Train Your Brain For Optimism

“Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.” – Roy Bennett

Ever wonder when things are going good in your life? You have an extra pep in your step or an extra dose of energy and motivation to get things done.

Everything is going right. Then something stupid happens. It’s temporary and has a tiny effect on your life in the grand scheme of things. But, it throws you into an adult temper tantrum.

We’ve all been there. Stomping around, pouting.

Shit happens in our everyday daily lives that can put our mood into a negative, downward spiral.

It’s hard to keep hope. Change and uncertainty rule our lives in many ways. But, we have reason for hope, both personally and as members of society.

Much around us seems to be chipping away at the things we want to accomplish. Other significant transformations are unfolding quietly beneath the surface.

Most people ignore the things that upset them. They also ignore their health and their goals.

Wake up as robots. Do the same things over and over. Then, expect different results.

If we prioritized exercise, it would fix many health issues. The fixes would be both physical and mental.

For example, taking things that you do have or going well for you for granted.

The last month I’ve been dealing with this neck/trap issue. It stops me from looking left and down.

It throbs with pain and is the most annoying thing you can experience.

Something as simple as that, your eyes working properly.

Your head and neck so you can move around.

It’s frustrating for me because I’m very active. When I don’t get to work out like I want it throws everything into a negative loop for me.

Optimistic people tend to see bad things as temporary and outside of themselves. They see the causes as situational.

This makes them think that bad things will happen again less likely. Being optimistic is a trait that does not change over time and can be used in many situations.

From early to late adulthood, the average amount of optimism of middle-aged and older adults increases a bit.

When faced with stress, optimistic people may keep their mental health. They do so by using emotional control.

Being optimistic doesn’t just make you happier. It also benefits your health, relationships, and success.

The good news is that optimism is a habit that can be learned and strengthened through practice.

Try these seven science-backed methods to rewire your brain for more positive thinking:

Practice Gratitude

Make a conscious effort to notice and appreciate the good things in your life, no matter how small.

Write a daily gratitude journal. List 3 to 5 things you’re thankful for.

This can build positive patterns in your brain over time. Feeling and expressing gratitude reduces negativity bias.

Reframe Negative Thoughts

Our brains tend to register negative events more intensely than positive ones. Reframing self-critical thoughts with a more balanced inner dialogue can build optimistic resilience.

When you notice a tantrum coming, step back. Look for other views.

Visualize Your Best Self

Envision your life going better than expected. Don’t dwell on what could go wrong.

Positive visualization reinforces optimistic neural pathways. Take the time to vividly imagine achieving your goals. Savor the feeling of success and joy.

Seek Out Uplifting Media

What we feed our minds impacts our mindset. Make your social media and entertainment diet up lifting.

Do this by unfollowing negative accounts. Seek inspiring podcasts, videos, and books that match your optimistic vision.

Positive Self-Talk

You can be your own coach here. Speak uplifting words to yourself in a regular pattern. Encourage yourself; what’s happening to you is more than likely a bad moment, not a bad day.

Build an Optimistic Circle

The people we spend time with heavily influence our outlook. Find and spend more time with upbeat, supportive people. Their company lifts your spirits.

Their optimism can be contagious while draining negativity from chronic pessimists.

Limit Unpleasant Places

We can’t always choose the people we’re spending time with, but we can choose how often and who we eat with every day.

Consider everything above. Consume positive social media. Seek it in conversations with friends and people you look up to. And, in what you’re reading.

Unfollow things you don’t need in your life.

Negative people are like a hidden fungus that begins to grow inside us and eats away at the good parts.

Don’t allow it to happen.

That’s it for this week.

I hope you enjoyed it, if this helped you send it to a friend in need.

Check-out my new youtube series here.

Your Montana Friend,

Cody

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Have a positive week,

Cody

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