Share

See the bright side

accreditation
How to be an optimist

Those of us who tend to be somewhat negative about life often see the optimists around us as airheads. After all, if you always expect the worst, you can never be disappointed, right?

But optimism's been scientifically proven as a way to become happier, healthier and even more attractive to the opposite sex. Recent research suggests an optimistic state comes from a series of active inner processes, which is good news, because it means we can change our outlook with practice.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Really try to see glasses as half-full, not half-empty.
  • When you bump into someone you dislike, think of one positive attribute they have.
  • Re-phrase the way you say things - see problems as challenges, and obstacles as minor hurdles.
  • Count your blessings each morning when you wake up ­ you'll be surprised at how much you have to be thankful for, and how much more positive you feel after you've done it.
  • Keep your perspective: a bad day at work doesn't mean the whole week's going to be hard - and an argument with someone doesn't mean they're now your enemy. Sleep on it, reconsider it and you'll see many options besides despair!

    Coping when life seems unfair

    Sometimes it seems nothing's going your way. In such situations, you can choose to ask: "Why me?" - or you can look for what your life's trying to tell you. The choice you make means the difference between a life of anger and frustration, or one of joy.

    Firstly, take responsibility for yourself, your actions and your life - of course, many things that go wrong are beyond your control, but there are also many things you can control.

    Secondly, don't allow yourself to wallow in self-pity or adopt a victim mentality - that will only imprison you in your situation. See yourself as a survivor, worthy of the challenges being thrown down before you, and tackle them head on.

    Finally, shift the way you see the world: see it as your oyster, not your prison. You can choose how to shape your own world, if you'll only have a positive outlook and learn to take the advice and support offered by other people.

    Remember, half the trick of overcoming difficulties is adjusting the magnitude our minds give them!

  • Get the best in Soccer, News and Lifestyle content with SNL24 PLUS
    For 14 free days, you can have access to the best from Soccer Laduma, KickOff, Daily Sun, TrueLove and Drum. Thereafter you will be billed R29 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed.
    Subscribe to SNL24 PLUS
    heading
    description
    username
    Show Comments ()