Great expectations

Renee Singh

As the weather gets better the mood brightens and we feel like throwing thoughts of stress straight from the window into the wilderness. If only we knew how to throw stress away, keep a less cynical view of what we are facing, know how to keep things in proper perspective, wouldn't life be blissful?

The positivity ratio

We all need to reach a point in our thinking where we can consciously experience positive feelings significantly more often. Once we have set this wheel in motion, we just need to continue to maintain our thinking at that level. This keeps us well balanced and bouncing in a state of mental freedom. 

The upward spiral

When our mood is three times better on a scale than the negative feeling then everything seems hunky dory. Well we must realise that this good mood is essentially required to be maintained. Of course we cannot be living in a state where we are having mood swings. We need to create within ourselves a system that generates a positive plateau for us.

Focus on positivity 

By keeping a steady focus you can build positive experiences in your life. Being positive also keeps you inspired and keeps the joy flowing in your life. Enjoying life now becomes a natural consequence.

Raise your positivity quotient 

This is possible by following various ways of thinking and behaviour which we can amend to our own advantage.

Minimise negative thinking

Make a conscious effort to do so. Experiences are felt as positive or negative according to our thinking.  We need to alter our thinking patterns to keep ourselves in the positive loop.

Reframe threats as a challenge 

This is a very effectively proven strategy. Do not allow your challenges to overpower you. View them as steps leading to a brighter future and deal with them accordingly. 

Accept negative feelings

Do not deny your negative feelings. Convincing yourself that things are in a positive frame when they truly aren’t is very foolish. Living in denial is what most people do and that is how stress keeps building up within on an unconscious level. 

Savour your experiences 

Journal about all the things that you have enjoyed in your life. This will increase your inner strength and keep the positivity flowing within you.

(Singh is a Chandigarh-based psychotherapist)