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Home > Resources > The 7 Positives!
The 7 Positives!Note: You can also download an information sheet version of this page (for printing etc) here: The 7 Positives! (pdf - opens in new window). "When there are so many positive things in life, In the book "Motivate me, motivate you" the "seven positives" are listed as a way to stay positive and help us stay motivated during difficult times. These are especially important when trying to combat bouts of depression or just feeling low. It may not always be possible for you to use all of them, but the more you deploy, the better you will feel. From the many comments received on "Motivate me, motivate you" it is clear that these seven positives really do help. Here the "seven positives" are described in more detail; you can also download from the resources page a poster or postcard size image of these to display or keep handy for when you're feeling 'blue'. Click on each "positive" for the why and the how:- +2. DON'T DWELL ON MISTAKES OR PROBLEMS +3. USE/DEVELOP YOUR OWN SENSE OF DRIVE +5. MAINTAIN HUMAN CONTACT: HELP & APPRECIATE OTHERS 1. FIND THE POSITIVES "Change your thoughts and change your world"
We can't all be natural optimists but we can change the way we view other people and situations. When we focus on the good aspects of people or situations rather than on the bad or negative things our approach can change dramatically. For example, the grumpy shop-keeper may have a reason to be grumpy (or he or she may just be that way inclined!) but if you are provided with the goods you need then concentrate on that, do not let his or her negative character affect your day. 2. DON'T DWELL ON MISTAKES OR PROBLEMS "Worrying is like a rocking chair: Once we let problems occupy too much of our thinking it starts to cloud our judgement on other matters until every situation we face seems worse. Problems need to be accepted as challenges rather than letting them drag us down with worry and put us into a state of despair. If we can accept that we learn from our mistakes and can use painful experiences to strengthen our own ability to cope with such situations, we have turned the problem round on its head and can start to look for solutions in a more positive frame of mind. The additional positive is to realise that such experience also enables us to help others overcome similar circumstances. 3. USE/DEVELOP YOUR OWN SENSE OF DRIVE "No matter what life gives you, you can turn it around" This really is a case of mind over matter. Think back to times when you have used your energy and self-control to keep going when facing adversity or difficulties. Now tell yourself that you can do what needs to be done to overcome the situation you face. Accept that it may take time, you may need to be patient and hold your resolve, but YOU CAN DO IT! Keeping a healthy body (see number 6) will also give you a feeling of well-being and that in turn will help strengthen your own sense of drive. But if you are suffering from ill-health then place even more emphasis on the other six positives to help give you a real lift. 4. LAUGH & SMILE OFTEN "Laughter is an instant vacation"
This is probably the best way of coping with stress in our lives. And it helps others enjoy their lives and lower their stress levels too. If your own sense of humour seems to have gone "absent without leave" (!) then use the humour of others to get it back. Meet up with people you happen to know that are great at cracking jokes in different or difficult situations. Or watch some good quality comedy; the British have produced some of the world's best humour for radio and TV. "A cheerful heart is good medicine" Make the effort to smile at people you meet in the street; 99 times out of 100 the smile comes back and both people feel better. Try it, it works! You never know, you may have just helped make the day a little bit better for that other person too. They then wear a smile and someone else benefits and so it passes on. "Attitudes are contagious... is yours worth catching?" When you meet people who are miserable or hostile, do not allow that to affect how YOU feel. They may be facing all sorts of personal problems that you are not aware of. You can take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you! Your cheerful disposition might even make them think about their own situation and whether they themselves should change... 5. MAINTAIN HUMAN CONTACT: HELP & APPRECIATE OTHERS "Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain; This is similar to number 4 above. Contact with other people is probably the most important and positive aspect of our lives. We don't always realise this; especially if we have friends or relatives who cause us trouble and strife. However other people form the basis of our lives and making positive contact with those we already know and new people we meet is essential for getting out of the rut of feeling down. "Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important" Think about how you come across to other people; especially when you're feeling low. By taking a positive and appreciative approach to others we meet, work and live with makes for a much more pleasant environment for everyone. We all benefit. The 2,000 year-old golden rule, "treat others the same way as you would want them to treat you" (New Testament, Luke 6:31) is a powerful way of improving your own outlook on life as you develop better relationships with those around you. 6. HEALTHY OUTLOOK "Health is better than wealth" PE (Physical Education) teachers often tell their pupils that "A healthy body makes a healthy mind". This highlights the importance of eating a healthy diet and taking moderate exercise everyday - these do have a positive impact on our state of mind. Our brains need food and oxygen, obviously. A brisk walk - including an incline or stairs if you can to maximise the overall benefit to your body - is an easy way to get yourself out of a state of mind that is stuck in a rut. As oxygen levels increase in your brain through physical activity you will feel your mood start to lift. This is even more important on days when it is wet and cold outside; don't neglect the need for physical activity in your daily routine on those grey and dismal days. Look at all the short trips you do in the car and see if those could be done on foot or bicycle instead. This will save you money, reduce the environmental impact of your lifestyle, and benefit your health at the same time! And when you're out walking rather than travelling by car, you have more opportunity to share a smile with others you pass in the street. 7. AMBIENCE "Nature can do more than physicians"
Our moods are also affected by our local environment; both when we are indoors and when we are out and about. Many people find the colour green soothing and calming; they associate it with the site of healthy lush vegetation in spring and early summer. For others the bright colour of flowers brightens their day. Or being by water - the sea, a lake or a river - can inspire and clear the mind to think of new things and solutions to difficulties. Music can inspire and lift our state of mind, whether it's pop, jazz, rock or classical. If you haven't listened to your favourite song(s) for ages, do so. This will evoke happy memories and lift your spirit. "Art is a harmony parallel with nature" For some people, and this may be you, a favourite and inspiring picture or sculpture may lift your mood when you gaze upon it. This might be an expensive and famous artwork beyond your means to purchase but an affordable print of it could be hanging in your home.
"Life is like riding a bicycle Note: You can also download an information sheet version of this page (for printing etc) here: The 7 Positives! (pdf - opens in new window). |
Yesterday is dead, The happiest people Most folks are about as Be the change in the world Never dull your shine A person is a person We all look more attractive Be kinder than necessary. Faces are the most Friendship isn't a big thing, A good friend is Wherever you go, Age is strictly a case Beauty awakens the soul to act
If you cannot be a poet, Everything has beauty, Live younger If happiness is your mode Money can buy happiness
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