Become Stronger than your Struggles!

    When challenges come our way, it may be easy to succumb to negative thoughts. But look on the bright side—optimistic thinking isn't just in our heads. Thinking positively can also boost our physical and mental health.  Optimistic thinkers tend to anticipate the best possible outcome in any situation. Optimistic people believe that negative events are temporary, limited in scope (instead of pervading every aspect of a person’s life), and manageable. Of course, optimism, like other psychological states and characteristics, exists on a continuum.

Here are some quick tips on how to boost your well-being:

• Find the good. Even in less-than-great situations, there's a way to find something positive.  It may be hard to see at first, but try looking closer! (For instance: "I may be completely lost, but the view from here sure is pretty.")

• Write it down. At the end of the day, write down a few good things that happened, like finishing a big report at work or getting an email from an old friend. The habit makes it easier to appreciate the positive parts of life.

• Speak with success. Sometimes it's not the specific situation that determines a good or bad mood, but how we talk about it. (For example: "The exam may have been super hard, but telling friends we tried our best may cheer us up.")

• Forget the green-eyed monster. It's easy to compare ourselves to others and become envious of what you don't have. Instead, try to appreciate the good qualities and remember what you're grateful for.

• Take control: Science has shown people feel more optimistic about situations they can control. So take a seat behind the driver's wheel and remember choices like working out more and eating healthfully are (almost always) yours!

• Stay balanced. Life isn't all good, all the time, so don't worry if those positive thoughts don’t flow freely. Staying realistic is also important to help manage and boost productivity.