Take a moment to make eye contact. Ask others how they’re doing or offer a sincere compliment. Try to remember names and ask friends or coworkers about their loved ones. Give people the benefit of the doubt. You don’t know what’s happening in their lives. You might be the one and only person to treat them like a human being today. You may not realize how just one kind word or smile - even from a stranger - can lift someone’s spirit.
If you wake up one morning feeling particularly low, try to stop the cycle by channeling positive energy. Look in the mirror and smile at yourself. It may feel silly, but it works. When you go out into the world and others ask you how you’re doing, answer as if it’s the best day of your life. Say things like “I’m having a marvelous day” or “The day just keeps getting better and better. " Projecting happiness can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy. After you’ve spent an hour or so smiling and commenting on how great a day you’re having, you’ll eventually find that you really are having a good day. In fact, research shows that just faking a smile and arranging your facial expression in this way can invoke some of the same autonomic changes that a genuine smile can deliver. For example, holding a pencil in your teeth activates the smile muscles, and, in time, you will find that you are feeling calmer and more happy. [3] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source
Avoid all-or-nothing thinking, like that you need to change your whole life—instead, think about one or two specific areas of your life where you feel the most dissatisfied. Then, think about whether there’s anything you can do to improve those areas. [4] X Expert Source Catherine Boswell, PhDLicensed Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 December 2020. Be conscious of your thoughts. Ask yourself whether they make you feel better or worse? When you identify a negative thought, work to change it into a more positive statement. For example, consider these thoughts: “I am worthless. I will never find a job I like. " They are clearly negative and block future growth and opportunities. Alter such statements into more positive, hopeful thoughts like: “I have many talents and gifts. I must find a job or past-time that enables me to further develop my talents. " Talk to yourself how you would talk to a dear friend. You would not belittle or criticize a dear friend. You would show this person compassion and recall positive characteristics the person is discounting. Show yourself the same compassion.
After considering some of your strengths, write them down on little pieces of paper. Tape a few to the mirror so that you can see them as you get ready each morning. Put one in your wallet and in your car’s sun visor. Think of these as little reminders of all you have to offer. If you find it difficult to identify your strengths, do a self-exploration activity to uncover them. Grab a pen and paper and reflect for a few minutes on a good experience that has happened in your life. Think about how you handled this experience and how your excellence was demonstrated. Consider which activities and projects you enjoy doing most. These are those that portray your strengths.
On the contrary, you might feel dissatisfied with life because you are not being challenged. Think about ways you can kick your life up a notch, whether that is by learning a new language, picking up a new hobby, or teaching others skills you’ve already mastered. In addition to challenging you, hobbies help you to strengthen social bonds and enhance your self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Since maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends is integral to your long-term health, do what you can to strengthen these connections. Let friends and family know you appreciate them and the roles they play in your life.
