When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. That’s the saying that everyone has heard about how to look at the positive side of life. However, it is much easier said than done. There are so many uncontrollable circumstances that can weigh on you and leave you with negative feelings. It is completely normal to experience these emotions, and looking on the bright side should never cause someone to pretend that everything is fine when it isn’t.

However, that doesn’t meant that you can’t find ways to shift your outlook on life to a more positive nature. Certain behaviors can be cut out and new habits can form that will help you change your perspective, focusing on the joys of life rather than the challenges. When you feel like you are constantly focusing on the negative, here are a few tips to start enjoying a more positive outlook.

Start a Gratitude Journal

A journal is a great way to boost mental health and remember the positive things that are happening in your life. At the end of each day, or even each week, take time to reflect on everything that happened. What are you thankful for at the end of the day? What moments made you smile? What challenges did you overcome? Who did you interact with that you care about? Did you accomplish any milestones?

By writing down the little moments from the day, you can help the happy memories stick in your mind a little bit more. Then when you face a day that just felt horrible, you can look back in the journal and remember where you came from.

Dealing with Toxic Relationships

We all know at least one person that leaves us completely drained and emotionally exhausted after interacting with them. Maybe they are manipulative, cruel, or they just mock you endlessly. Either way, dealing with toxic people in your life is an important step in shifting to a positive outlook. It can be extremely difficult to fully immerse yourself in the joys of life when someone is consistently ruining your mood or destroying your mental health. Set healthy boundaries, try to avoid useless arguments, and be willing to let these people go. Ultimately, your mental health will improve as a result, making it far easier to have a positive perspective.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Sometimes, you just need to focus on physical health. When you look better, you often feel better. When you feel better, your outlook on life can change. A balanced diet can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function well, so adjusting your eating habits to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy products will deliver key vitamins and minerals to your system. This can provide you with more energy throughout the day while supporting a healthy lifestyle. To further support your healthy diet, you can also take supplements like Cellsentials to nourish optimal cellular health.

Spend Time in Nature

The outdoors are proven to provide a significant boost to both mental and physical health. If you are often experiencing negative feelings, it could be the result of spending too much time indoors. The perfect new habit to form is spending more time out in nature. This doesn’t mean just leaving the building every once in a while, but really experiencing nature in its fullest.

Find a local hike through the woods that leads to a gorgeous view. Research what natural wonders are near your home that could make for an easy trip. Spend time exploring the greenery that provides every living thing with much-needed oxygen. Nature can be a great distraction from the burdens of life, providing you relief from the negative feelings you are experiencing.

Find a Way to Serve Others

Sometimes, gaining a fresh perspective can come from helping others who are in need. Maybe there is a local charity or organization that you could volunteer for in your spare time. This activity can give you a sense of purpose, reduce stress, and make you happy. There are plenty of opportunities to serve others, from helping with charitable events to volunteering at a local shelter. Volunteering provides many benefits for your mental health, and may be just the thing you need to gain a more positive outlook on life.

New Behaviors Start with Self-Analysis

Before you start implementing more habits into an already hectic schedule, it is important to conduct some self-analysis first. What types of activities make you excited? Where do you spend the majority of your time? What are some of the happiest memories that you have?

By asking yourself these types of questions, you can hone in on the types of behaviors that leave you with a positive feeling which can guide the new habits that you will form. Take some time to consider what changes will have the biggest effect on your perspective and adopt them one at a time so as not to overwhelm your schedule.