For many people, being negative has become an ingrained part of their lives. Whether it’s due to past experiences or the constant bombardment of negative news and social media, negative thoughts and emotions seem to be always lurking around. However, it’s important to realize that constant negativity can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. Fortunately, with practice and perseverance, it is possible to break out of this cycle. In this article, we will explore eight effective strategies to help you stop being negative and attract more positivity into your life.

1. Practice Gratitude
Cultivating gratitude is one of the most effective ways to combat negativity. Take some time each day to reflect on the things in your life that you are grateful for, whether it’s a supportive family, a roof over your head, or simply the taste of your favorite coffee. The more creative and imaginative you are with your gratitude practice, the more positive impact it will have on your well-being.

2. Realize What You Can and Can’t Control
A significant source of negative emotions is our tendency to worry about things that are beyond our control. When you find yourself getting upset or anxious about something, ask yourself, “can I control this?” If the answer is no, then let it go. Focusing on the things within your control and doing your best with them is an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety.

3. Cut Off Negative Sources That Feed You
Negative sources in your life can feed your negativity, so it’s essential to be aware of what influences your mental space. Spend less time watching the news or scrolling through social media and more time with positive people and activities that make you feel good. Toxic friends and relationships can also add negative energy to your life, so it’s important to know when to cut them off.

4. Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation teaches you to observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them. This practice helps you to create a distance between yourself and your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to let go of negativity more easily. You don’t need to eliminate negative thoughts completely, just don’t engage with them or become identified with them. With practice, you will be able to observe negative thoughts coming and going, without being impacted by them.

5. Try Journaling Your Thoughts
If your mind tends to feel overwhelmed with negative thoughts, try journaling your thoughts on paper. Writing down your feelings can help you gain a greater understanding of them, and may even help you see problems more clearly. When you see your thoughts written down in front of you, you may realize that you were making a much bigger deal of them than they actually are.

6. Smile (Even if You Have to Force It)
Although it may seem overly simple, smiling is one of the most effective ways to improve your mood and reduce negativity. When you smile, your brain releases the “happiness chemicals” neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, which help to improve your mood. If you find yourself weighed down by negativity, try forcing yourself to smile, even for a few seconds, and see how it influences your mood.

7. Eat Healthy
What you put into your body as fuel can significantly impact your mood. Eating healthy and nourishing foods can help to improve your well-being and reduce negativity. Studies suggest that a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can be protective against depression, while foods like oysters, watercress, and spinach contain antidepressant nutrients. Similarly, consuming fewer processed foods and more whole foods can help promote positive mental health.

8. Exercise
Physical activity is another effective strategy to help you stop being negative. Exercise not only has significant benefits for your physical health but for mental health as well. According to various studies, exercise has been linked with increased levels of endorphins, the brain’s natural mood lifters, and has been shown to reduce immune system chemicals that can make depression worse.

In summary, negativity can be a pervasive force in our lives, but it’s important to remember that it’s something we can change. Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine can help you to reduce negativity and attract more positivity and happiness into your life. It may require practice and perseverance, but by taking charge of your thoughts and emotions, you can become a more positive and joyful person.