How to stay positive when it looks like the world is falling apart around you

I like to think I’m a fairly positive person, but we can all get battered down at times. Here are some tips to staying positive and happy when things around you look like they’re falling part. I hope they can help you find some sunshine in your day.

Make a list at the end of every day of all the things that made you smile

I love doing this, I will randomly ask family members and friends to join me in listing off the things that made us smile. This could be anything from talking to a friend, to watching a film you’ve been excited about. I think it’s important to celebrate the joys in the little moments that life gives us. We shouldn’t always be waiting for the next big life event to be excited about. Let the smaller moments, the parcel deliveries, film releases on Netflix, FaceTimes with a friend, be the things that make you thrive.

Stay away from the news/social media for a little bit

If you’re finding the world a bit too much and can see social media and the news is negatively affecting your mental health, take a step back. For me I find it handy to mute my News notifications and mute certain words on Twitter if I’m going through a negative space. This can be something so simple, but reducing the intake of negative news gives your brain a break and makes you feel more refreshed and free to enjoy your day without heart sinking news following you about.

Listen to some really uplifting music

You’d be surprised by the power of music. If ever I feel really down, I try and remind myself of the way music makes me feel. There’s so many ways to stream different playlists now, I have a few saved for my bad days that will instantly pick me up. In my house we like to have random dance parties, they pick me up and can’t help but make me smile. I strongly believe that music and dancing releases something good into your body and even if it’s just a temporary fix, it can distract you and give you some good feelings.

Talk to your friends, even if it’s online/over the phone

It’s easy to forget the support network around us when we’re cooped up inside and feeling like shit. There are so many ways to reach out to other humans though and there’s nothing like hearing the comforting and distracting voice of a friend to talk to, to put you back into a positive mind set. I find having regular voice/video calls with my friends really help me to be positive and happy. I’m extroverted, so I get my energy from others, I definitely find myself feeling more productive and motivated after talking with friends.

Focus on your hobbies or take up a new one

As a reader, I always have a book to turn to when everything gets too much. I also have various games consoles to loose myself in and enter into new worlds. Having hobbies like this can completely remove me from the real world and offer me some temporary escapism, which is sometimes much needed. Remind yourself of the things you love and why you love them, spend some quality you time enjoying your hobbies and rediscover your passions. I guarantee having this drive of love for a particular activity will make you feel more positive.

Have a clean and bright environment around you

If you’re spending a lot of time in your house/bedroom, it’s so important this is a positive space. Brighter, cleaner environments are proven to have a more positive effect on your brain and happiness. I used to be so messy and unproductive, but then I went to uni and ever since I’ve been crazy clean and tidy and my bedroom is my favourite space. It’s filled with white, yellow and green, lots of plants and of course books. I feel proud, calm and happy when I look around my room. Make sure your space gives you the same feeling and doesn’t contribute to making you feel stressed by being messy and dirty.

Tell yourself you are being positivity and happy and that today will be a good day

Lastly, set yourself a little mantra. Tell yourself each morning that today will be a good day and you will find the positives in it. Try and smile, feel excited about one moment of your day. Give yourself a real reason to get out of bed. Shower, wear a nice outfit, make your bed. Start your day off right and try to keep smiling. Sometimes I can trick myself into feeling positive and eventually I’m not tricking myself anymore and the happiness just spills into my day.

I hope these tips help you guys find some space for positivity in your day to day life. Help me to share the sunshine!