25 Habits To Instantly Be a Positive Person

Whether you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed or looking for ways to be more positive and happy, today I’m sharing strategies I’ve used to be a positive person in my life – even during difficult times.

I firmly believe that when we wake up in the morning we can decide how we want our day to unfold. This comes down to having a positive mindset and intentionally making a choice to be positive.

This of course can be very challenging if you’re struggling, which is something I have a hard time with due to depression. However, even on those extra hard days, the opportunity will still come (at some point) when we can make a decision to look at the bright side of things – or at least distract ourselves from our current situation. 

We can take steps to be a more positive person. Positive people intentionally find joy in their daily lives and handle stress better. Whether it’s focusing on small, specific goals or practicing gratitude, there are simple habits you can cultivate to boost your mood.

Life can be tough, but having a glass-half-full mindset can make a huge difference. 

So, let’s dive into how to be a positive person with these strategies I’ve been working on for years. 

How to Be a Positive Person: 25 Tips for Everyday Happiness

To become a more positive person, it’s important to adopt habits and practices that encourage a positive mindset.

Below are various methods and strategies you can incorporate into your daily life to foster positivity and improve your quality of life.

1. Look for the Silver Lining

Almost every situation has a positive aspect if you look hard enough. When faced with challenges, try to focus on what you can learn or how you can grow. This can help you maintain a positive outlook even during tough times. 

By focusing on the positive side, you can reduce stress as well as negative emotions.

3. Do What You Love

Make time for activities that bring you true joy. Whether it’s a hobby, sport, or simply spending time with loved ones, doing what you love can fill your days with positive energy and a sense of purpose. 

5. Be Around Positive People

Surround yourself with positive thinkers. The energy of positive people can be contagious, lifting your spirits and encouraging you to maintain a positive attitude. 

6. Limit Time with Negative People

Following up from above, it’s also important to limit time with those negative people in your life (you know who they are)!

Spending too much time with negative individuals can affect your outlook on life. 

Whenever possible, minimize your interactions with individuals who bring you down or consistently exhibit negative emotions. Your mental health will thank you.

7. Look After Your Mental Health

Your mental health plays a crucial role in maintaining a positive attitude. Make time to engage in activities that support your mental well-being, such as:

• Therapy, to give you tools to overcome past and current challenges
• Self-care, as a form of something that feels good
• Learning to say no and not overcommitting to things that stress you out
• Other things that support your mental well-being such as good sleep and meditation 

8. Spend Time in Nature

Nature has a calming and rejuvenating effect. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Heather Eliassen…

“[Time spent outdoors] provides a combination of stimulation of different senses and a break from typical overstimulation from urban environments,” she said. “Exposure to green space results in mental restoration and increased positive emotions and decreased anxiety and rumination. (source)

So, get out into the great outdoors to soak up the sun and savor the sounds of nature. This can be going on a hike, walking in your neighborhood or visiting a park.

11. Get Exercise

Regular physical activity can improve your mood and boost your energy levels. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, helping combat negative emotions and increasing your overall sense of well-being.

13. Look After Your Daily Needs

Ensuring your basic needs such as sleep, nutrition, and hydration are met is crucial. When your body is well cared for, your mind is more capable of maintaining a positive outlook. Simple self-care routines can have a big impact.

14. Seek out Moments of Awe

Look for moments that inspire wonder and amazement.

This could be looking at a beautiful sunset, exploring a new place, or watching a powerful performance.

These moments of awe are what life is all about. They can lift your spirit and give you a more optimistic perspective.

16. Plan Fun Activities

Having something to look forward to in the everyday grind is crucial to creating more positivity in life.

Make time in your schedule for activities you enjoy and look forward to. Planning fun events with friends, family, or yourself can give you something positive to anticipate, which supports simple enjoyment in your day. 

17. Embrace Change

Change is inevitable and once we accept this, the thought of change is less daunting – which can lead to acceptance.

Change can be challenging, but it can also bring new opportunities and growth. Try to see change as a chance to learn and experience positive developments in your life. 

18. Find Joy in the Little Things

Appreciating small joys, like a cup of coffee in the morning or a good book, can enhance your overall happiness. These simple pleasures can add up and make a big difference in your daily positivity.

19. Practice Positive Self Talk

“Watch what you tell yourself, you’re likely to believe it.”

– Russ Kyle

Talk to yourself as you would to a friend. Encourage yourself, acknowledge your accomplishments, and be kind to yourself – especially in challenging times. 

Positive self-talk can improve your self-esteem, decrease self-doubt, and motivate you to move forward in all that you do.

20. Audit the Negative Content You See

Be mindful of the content you consume in the news, on social media, and in books, movies, and podcasts.

These content sources can really alter the way you think even if you don’t realize it.

Unfollow social accounts that don’t bring you joy, limit negative news, and instead choose content that inspires and motivates you.

22. Don’t Beat Yourself Up

Make it a goal to love yourself and be kind to yourself.

Everyone makes mistakes. Instead of being hard on yourself, acknowledge your missteps and learn from them.

Being kind to yourself during tough times can aid in maintaining a positive mindset.

23. Let Things Go

Holding onto grudges or past mistakes can weigh you down. Learn to forgive and let go. This can free up mental space and emotional energy, allowing you to focus on the positive aspects of life.

24. Stay Out of Other People’s Drama

Getting involved in other people’s conflicts can be draining and a direct way to create stress and negativity in your own life – which you do not need. Focus on your well-being and do your best to not get caught up in negative dramas that do not concern you.

25. Fill Your Cup

Filling your cup ensures that your own emotional, mental, and physical needs are met before you try to help or support others.

Make sure to do things that refresh and recharge you. This could mean taking time for yourself, partaking in self-care, or simply taking a break. 

Benefits of Being a Positive Person

It’s clear that positive people seem to be happier and are living a life in the way they intend, but let’s look at some more specific benefits of being a positive person.

1. Improved Physical Health

Positive people often experience better physical health due to reduced stress levels. Optimism can lead to healthier lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. 

A study from John Hopkins Medicine shares a great example of this… “People with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive outlook were one-third less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event within five to 25 years than those with a more negative outlook.” 

2. Enhanced Mental Well-being

Maintaining a positive attitude significantly improves mental health by reducing the risk of mental disorders like depression and anxiety. Benefits include:

• Reduced stress: Positive people are better at managing stress and are less likely to experience chronic stress (Mayo Clinic – Positive Thinking).
• Better coping skills: They are more likely to employ effective coping strategies during challenging times, leading to better psychological resilience (APA – Managing Stress).
• Increased happiness: A positive mindset fosters a sense of contentment and happiness, contributing to overall mental well-being.

3. Better Relationships

Positivity plays a big role in building and maintaining healthy relationships. Positive individuals often experience:

• Enhanced social connections: People are naturally drawn to positive individuals, leading to stronger social bonds and a wider support network (Harvard Health – The Power of Positive Relationships).
• Improved communication: Positive people are generally more open, empathetic, and understanding, which enhances communication and reduces conflicts in relationships.
• Greater relationship satisfaction: Positivity helps foster trust and mutual respect, leading to more satisfying and enduring relationships.

4. Increased Productivity and Success

A positive attitude can lead to higher levels of motivation, creativity, and overall success at work. When you have a positive mindset you’re more likely to look at opportunities and solutions – as opposed to a negative mindset that would focus more on challenges and problems.

5. Better Quality of Life

Overall, a positive attitude can greatly enhance one’s quality of life by fostering a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and well-being. This includes:

• Improved overall life satisfaction: Positive individuals are more likely to find joy in everyday activities and maintain a high level of life satisfaction (Mayo Clinic – Positive Thinking).
• Higher levels of personal fulfillment: Positivity helps people set and achieve personal goals, leading to a greater sense of accomplishment and fulfillment
• Enhanced sense of purpose: Positive people often have a clearer sense of direction and purpose in life, which contributes to overall happiness and fulfillment 

Final Tips & Thoughts

Being a positive person takes effort, but it’s worth it. Focusing on small things like finding joy on a sunny day or a great conversation you had with a colleague helps build a positive mindset.

In Stressful Situations…

Try thinking of positive words and doing small acts of kindness. This can improve your mood and help those around you too. 

Positive feedback from others can remind you that your hard work pays off. So, make it a point to celebrate positive moments and new habits in your daily life.

Keep a List of Milestones

By keeping a list of major milestones, you can see your progress and maintain an optimistic attitude.

You might face negative events or deal with negative thinkers, yet staying focused on the good things and developing an optimistic attitude can make everyday life much better.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Remember to step out of your comfort zone. Trying new activities and meeting happy people are great ways to boost your spirit.

Be Kind to Yourself

Lastly, be kind to yourself. Everyone has difficult situations and negative energy; it’s okay to feel down sometimes.

The key is to bounce back and look forward to the next time life gives you a chance to shine.

Start Small

Instead of aiming for big, vague goals like “be more positive,” break it down. Maybe you meditate a couple of times a week or keep a journal of things you’re thankful for. These little changes can add up and help you see the brighter side of life.

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It’s not about ignoring the bad stuff, it’s about finding the silver linings. Smiling at a stranger, taking time to laugh, or even just giving yourself a break when things don’t go as planned can all help shift your perspective.

Keep these best strategies in mind as you go through life. Surround yourself with positivity, and don’t forget to breathe and enjoy the simple things every day.

Related Positivity Resources:

• 15 Positive Ways to Focus on the Good Things in Life
• 9 Ways To Stay Positive During Difficult Times
• How To Find Your Happy Place: 20 Tips To Try
• 15 Ways To Find Joy in Life Again