| see things differently. While some concentrate on | | | | Activities that provide a sense of accomplishment |
| negative possibilities and see their glasses half | | | | -- such as volunteering at a nursing home or |
| empty instead of half full, others consistently look | | | | homeless shelter -- can make a big difference in |
| on the bright side. But being positive does not | | | | both your life and the lives of others. You will feel |
| mean being unrealistic. So an important question | | | | good about the work you do and help someone |
| to ask yourself when evaluating one's demeanor: | | | | else in the process. |
| Is your glass half empty or half full? | | | | 4. Speak up. |
| While life can bring challenging times, having a | | | | Learning to assert yourself at work and home is |
| positive attitude often can have real mind and | | | | important in cultivating a positive attitude. When |
| body benefits. People who are less burdened by | | | | you express your ideas tactfully, you feel better |
| pessimistic thinking do not suffer the health risks | | | | about yourself and earn respect from others. |
| associated with stress. They feel more | | | | Keeping things to yourself can lead to stress and |
| empowered to change their lives for the better. If | | | | frustration. |
| your perspective seems focused on negative | | | | 5. Be adventurous. |
| thoughts, try these tips: | | | | Encourage yourself to try new things -- take a |
| 1. Eliminate negative self-talk. | | | | class, begin an exercise program, try for that |
| When we constantly tell ourselves what we ought | | | | promotion. Challenge yourself to break out of |
| to do, should have done, and can not accomplish, | | | | your rut, and you will be rewarded by feeling |
| we are filling ourselves with negative self-talk. This | | | | better. |
| can make us feel unable to make positive | | | | 6. Avoid unhealthy responses to stress. |
| changes. Turn negative self-talk into positive | | | | When times get tough, it is easy to let a negative |
| self-coaching. For example, instead of focusing on | | | | outlook lead to destructive behavior. Smoking, |
| what you think you can not do, brainstorm about | | | | drinking and substance abuse are typical methods |
| your strengths. | | | | people may use to distract themselves from |
| 2. Stay flexible. | | | | difficult situations. These destructive habits can |
| Change can be difficult. Often, we do not have | | | | only make you feel worse. |
| control over the changes in our lives. Instead of | | | | 7. Live for today. |
| concentrating on the way things were, focus on | | | | Today's little pleasures and accomplishments are |
| how you can make the best of the way things | | | | the events that make up our lives. Instead of |
| are. For example, if changes at work mean new | | | | reminiscing about the past or living life in |
| challenges in your job, try to excel at your new | | | | anticipation of tomorrow, take time to enjoy and |
| duties instead of dwelling on the past. | | | | savor the special moments today brings. |
| 3. Get involved. | | | | |