Three Tips For Positivity

People who know me know that I am a positive person with a realistic outlook on life. I consider myself a strong person, but I am not afraid to talk and think about things that scare me; I try to think up solutions on how to conquer my fears.

Everyone has different ways of coping and looking at life, but I find that a few simple techniques really help me remain positive and focused on what is truly important in life.

1. Taking deep breaths is essential. I learned this when I was about to take on the Inca Trail a few years ago; my guide told me that my heart would go before my legs would, and deep breathing stops this from happening. I battled elevation sickness, but I remembered what my guide said as I kept pushing myself for four days. When my fellow trekkers and I made it to our final destination, Machu Picchu, we still had the energy to walk up and down the stone steps in the hot sun. I always remember to take deep breaths every day, because they make me feel good.

2. Laughter really is the best medicine. I try to laugh every day, because it eliminates tension. I needed this recently after a difficult encounter with a very negative person. I walked away from the experience calmly, and laughed about it later because I realized how ridiculous the whole situation was. I put it all in perspective, and found humor in it. Obviously this doesn’t work all the time, but I try to watch a funny movie or TV show to make me laugh, if I can’t find anything in my life to laugh about.

3. Visiting special places help me when I want to get away from it all. Parks and gardens are my favorite places to escape to for an hour or more, and I make an effort to do so at least once a week. These mini-excursions are beneficial to me, and I love how I feel after one of them.

How do you stay positive?