How To Stay Positive

Staying positive is something I struggle with and it is an everyday mental battle for me. It is so much easier to be negative, in my opinion, especially when it comes to judging myself. We can be our worst critics, so it is easy to talk negatively about ourselves, but it is not healthy at the end of the day. Many of us have that negative voice in our heads and in order to start thinking positively we must change the way our brains work. Train it to see the world in a positive light because if you do not you will keep seeing the negative in everything.

Staying positive throughout my heart failure journey

Affirmations and positive self-talk

People who are positive do not have everything going perfectly in their lives, it is just that they make a decision every day to choose to be positive. I know I have mentioned self-talk and affirmations in my previous articles, but that is because it really works. In the morning, I have written down in my phone different affirmations. Affirmations are statements that promote a positive lifestyle and help you overcome negative thoughts. For example, "I have the strength and courage to overcome any challenge" is a positive affirmation for someone needing confidence. If you go on google, you will find plenty of affirmations, or, you can even create some of your own. It can be really important for you to recite these affirmations in the mirror to yourself. You will feel so powerful, motivated, and encouraged.

Not comparing

Have you ever been scrolling on social media and seen people living life, and you start comparing your lives to theirs? We have all been there- whether it is someone always taking flights somewhere or doing something that you want to do. We all want a carefree and healthy life but do not compare your journey to other people's because you do not really know that person's story, or their journey, or what goes on behind closed doors. Everyone has their own journey and if you compare your lives with others you might rob yourself of the joy of life.

Changing the thought process

Trying not to judge people is something else that I struggle with because I am so critical of myself. I used to project it onto other people and that is how we start talking about people. If we use our positive affirmations to ourselves we will start saying nice things to people.

Reworking responses is something else that helps me with staying positive. For example, instead of saying, "I’m not going to get any better at this," you can say "I will give it another try." Or, "I’ve never done it before," can be transformed into, "It’s an opportunity to learn something new."

Having gratitude

Gratitude journals are also helpful. Write down at least one thing you are grateful for daily and keep it somewhere that you can easily get to, like your phone. When there are those days when you are not feeling positive you can go look at your journal (or phone) and remember why you are grateful.

Positive people

Surrounding yourself with positive people will also help you have a positive mindset. People who are positive have healing, calming spirits. Do you ever notice people who are negative seem to drain you? That is because people with negative energy may be trying to bring you down with them. Misery loves company. Instead of being negative, you should always try to look for the good in situations.

Staying positive is hard work

It is definitely a marathon, not a race. You literally have to work each and every day at being positive. It is a choice that everyone makes. I have been on my positivity journey for a year and it is hard work, but it is definitely worth it.

“Look for something positive in every day, even if some days you have to look a little harder.” -unknown

How do you stay positive throughout your heart failure journey? Share any strategies that have been helpful to you in the comments section, or share your story by clicking the button below.