10 Effective Ways to Become an Optimist
Is the glass half-full or half-empty? This is a commonly-used test for assessing if you are an optimist or a pessimist. Optimists are the ones who are not bogged down by problems or tensions; they usually try to search for something good even in the worst situations. Pessimists are just the opposite. A minor problematic incident can trigger a whirlwind of negative thoughts, at times with a cascading effect, resulting in gloom, stress, and depression.
In simple words, optimists are always looking at the rosier picture, while pessimists limit themselves to assumptions. For example, when bad news comes in, a pessimist is bound to think, ‘it’s me,’ ‘it will remain forever,’ and ‘it is going to impact everything I do.’ Optimists prefer to differ – they know the event will pass, and it is just a temporary phase of life. Instead, they would take credit for good things in life, put in their best efforts to ensure that these things last forever, and believe that positive events will keep flowing in their lives.
Why does optimism matter?
It is common knowledge that our physical well-being is intricately woven around mental health. This is not just hearsay; it is supported by science too. The scientific community has researched the effect of optimism on health, lifespan, etc.
Being optimistic has been found to help people in their disease management. Not just that, an optimistic outlook is instrumental in enhanced recoveries from surgeries and even lowering death rates. Research says that positive people have few stressors. In his book, ‘Brain Rules for Aging Well,’ author Dr. Medina, an affiliate professor of bioengineering at the University of Washington School of Medicine, mentions that optimism can increase one’s life by almost eight years.
Negative or depressive thoughts impact the cortisol levels, directly attacking the WBCs or CD4. Since white blood cells are the human body’s natural defense mechanism, increased negativity means weakening the body’s immunity to various kinds of diseases, including fatal ones like cancer. Thus, the probability of living a shorter life. The scientific reasoning does not end here. Optimism impacts the dopamine levels in the body – the key chemical that keeps us happy. As one grows older, dopamine naturally starts to fade. Being optimistic keeps this neurotransmitter in check.
Here are nine simple tried-and-tested methods to help you stay positive, motivated, and confident.
Let’s rewire your brain
1. Practice Gratitude
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” – Willie Nelson, an American musician, actor, and activist.
We often ignore many things we have in our lives, focusing on those we don’t. This can lead to a chain of dejected and unhappy feelings and emotions, culminating invariably in negativity and despair. Turning the tables is the best way to address pessimism.
A simple activity, practicing gratitude, can start anytime, anywhere. Just try and maintain a diary or journal every day. List out a couple of things daily that makes you feel nice and you would like to express your appreciation. Small things; big things – anything!
It could be difficult in the beginning, but when you start doing it on a regular basis, expressing gratitude will come easy to you. Not just that, you’ll discover that there are so many things that you have been taking for granted. Getting into the microscopic level will give you reasons to feel happy and satisfied.
You could also pen a letter to someone who has inspired you. Make it lengthy; tell them how they have influenced your life and made a difference. It can do wonders to your happiness levels!
2. Challenge Yourself to Wear the Positive Lens
Being a pessimist means interpreting everything in the negative sense. If it’s cloudy and raining outside, pessimists start complaining about the weather and how it is making their day terrible.
It’s time to go ahead and put down the negative lens. Interchange them with positive ones. Challenge yourself to find bright and positive aspects in everyday situations. Psychologists call this ‘positive reframing.’ In this example, think of all the things you could do by staying indoors. Maybe you completed a long-pending book or spent some meaningful time with your family or simply sat looking at the sky, spending time with yourself.
Even though it seems like an effort initially to bring a positive perspective, it can become second nature to you when done regularly. Be it any situation, your brain is wired to be hopeful and positive automatically.
3. Your Company Matters
The type of people surrounding you make a difference in your thought process. No doubt, we constantly push our kids to keep good company. The same applies to us too.
Positive-thinking people will always motivate you to stay happy and inspired. It flows out unconsciously. Pessimist people will influence your perspective and bog you down with their negativities and doubts. It’s natural and contagious.
Hence, you need to choose wisely what kind of company you wish to have. There are choices that we can make – we cannot choose our parents or siblings and at times change our spouse, but we can always look for friends who are cheerful with an optimistic disposition. They will impact your mental makeup too.
4. Distance Yourself from Negative News
Anything that can churn your mood and push you towards the unhappiness vortex should be left out. News, for example, can be a significant stressor. Many people get unduly influenced by the negatives in the outer world. Stay away from the daily news if it switches on your negative impulses. A brief look at the snippets is enough to keep you updated. You do not have to soak in every detail of every single piece of news.
5. Digital Detox
Stay away from digital use consciously every day. Some people go in for digital detox to rejuvenate their minds. It’s a good choice if you have been too dependent on digital media lately. You may choose not to completely unplug by making a schedule for digital exposure or taking periodic leave from technology. Digital detox helps improve sleep quality and reduce stress, impacting the brain cells positively.
6. Join a Volunteering Opportunity
Indulging in service to others brings about a change in perspective. Many people join social service endeavors to forget their problems. There is great power in serving others.
It definitely works on your self-esteem. It helps you understand the miseries of others and those problems are part and parcel of our lives. It sets your mind on a progressive thought process. When you volunteer, you need to encourage others to go beyond their limitations. It naturally brings about an optimistic approach to your living too.
7. The Spice of Humor
Choose to stay happy by opting to smile and laugh instead of brooding and complaining. There are no doubts whatsoever about the good effects of laughter. It triggers endorphins, the feel-good chemicals present in the body, and minimizes cortisol, the stress-causing hormone. These chemicals bring about a sense of well-being and are suitable for your physical and mental health.
How to smile and laugh often? Reading or watching humorous content is the best solution. You also crack jokes about events gone by, share them with others around, and have a good laugh. A change of perspective!
8. Focus on the Solution
Consciously wire your brain to find solutions in untoward situations rather than focusing on the problem itself. The truth is that every issue has a solution. In fact, there are multiple solutions – busy your mind in scouting the best one.
Optimism is all about finding a way out through adverse situations. Don’t pivot all your thoughts and emotions on ‘why it happened to me?’. Rather, ask, ‘what can be done to resolve this?’. ‘How can this situation be averted in future?’, and so on.
9. Mindfulness
Optimism is also about being realistic. Life is uncertain, and you need to accept that. There’s no known way that you can change this universal truth. Why ponder or crib about it? Similarly, if there has been a mishap in the family, there is no use ruminating over it endlessly if there was no way you could have prevented the incident from happening.
It is called mindfulness. Practice it consciously. Give yourself a reality check. Open your mind; acknowledge what you can control and what you cannot. Just be focused on your present. Push all thoughts about the past or future to the back of your mind.
10. Don’t Be Hard on Yourself
It’s okay to falter. It’s natural to make mistakes. There’s no good in dwelling on them. Let go. Take the learning and move on. Optimist people do so. Be patient and good to yourself!
Synopsis
Being optimistic is the key to mental and physical fitness. So, why not try these natural methods to stay healthy and kicking?
Hafiz says, “Stay Close to Anything That Makes You Glad You Are Alive.”