5 Fast Ways To Become Happier and More Positive

The human instinct for self-preservation is an inherently optimistic way of approaching the world because it assumes two things:

1. There will be a future
2. We want to be a part of that future

However, in spite of this inherent optimism, we also carry with us certain biases that can lead to patterns of negative thinking.

For example, because we are wired for survival, our brains are predisposed towards looking for threats to our well-being.

This leads us to weigh negative experiences as more important than positive ones.

In order to counteract these tendencies, you need to train your mind to become a more positive person.

Here are my 5 suggestions on how to be happier and more positive in your life.

You do have the power to make it happen.

How to Be Happier and More Positive

#1. Gratitude

Probably the most important key to being positive is to be grateful for what you have.

There is a ton of academic research out there now demonstrating the multitude of benefits that come with having an “attitude of gratitude.”

People who express their gratitude by stating it out loud every day to themselves, telling someone else, or keeping a gratitude journal tend to report overall significantly higher levels of well-being, better health, and somewhat interestingly, a tendency to be less wasteful.

#2. Positive Thoughts

By consciously choosing or “fixing” different thoughts you can reinforce the habit of thinking positively and decrease the number of negative thoughts in your mind.

Take the time to observe your thoughts and try to transform your negative thoughts into positive ones, e.g. “I’m so fat” is a negative thought that triggers bad feelings.

By transforming this into “I know I’m fat but I’m exercising and eating healthy right now and I should see the results soon”, you are adding a positive and motivational twist to your original thought.

#3. Exercise

Exercise, specifically cardiovascular exercise, is absolutely essential for being a positive person.

We are blessed with these bodies that are capable of all sorts of amazing things.

Sadly, though, many of us use our bodies as conveyances that take us from place to place (often from our front doors to our car doors).

When we work our bodies to exhaustion a lot of our nervous energy gets burned off and we are available to be more present, focused, and happy.

#4. Presence

Speaking of being present, presence is one of the keys to positivity.

Because we have such well-developed brains we can spend much of our time anchored to the past or anxious about the future.

When you are focused on the now, which is the only period of time which you can be certain about, you step off the emotional rollercoaster of depression and anxiety and into the calm of present reflection.

#5. Reflection

Ah, and the last essential ingredient for positivity is reflection.

When you can breathe and reflect on what truly matters you are certain to find that what matters is love, family, and community.

Taking stock of the bounty of your life will provide you with the opportunity to be more positive and grateful for all of your blessings.

What are you doing to boost your happiness?

Happiness is a choice.

It’s upon us to take the right steps to become more positive.

Hopefully, this article has helped you learn how to be happier in your life.

So, what steps are you taking to become happier and more positive in your life?

I’d love to hear your stories.