The definition of optimism is simple: hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something. Simply stated it means to be positive & hopeful, even when it is hard. It has been scientifically proven that being “optimistic” can be a catalyst to better well being both physically and emotionally. Frost Bank recently started a campaign, Opt for Optimism , that strives to promote well being & happiness. I too believe that both of these two things are needed & 100% percent necessary for a well-balanced life! How do you put optimism into action? Below, I’ve listed a few things that have helped me stay optimistic, even through hard times!
Write it Down
I have always been an avid writer! Not only because I enjoy it, but also because I really think (for me anyways) that it helps me to maintain my feelings and thoughts better. Writing for me has always been a stress relief of some sort- I’m constantly jotting things down, both on paper and in my phone, throughout the day to get them out of my head. Doing so allows me to maintain a clear head, not worry about things I cannot change, and focus better on whatever it is that I actually have control of & can change. Regardless of if you are a writer or not, this is one of the easiest ways to embrace happiness & I strongly encourage you try!
You Need Your Me Time!
Another thing that helps me stay positive is to always be sure to have some time for myself! Whether you enjoy curling up with a good book (me, for sure!), or like drinking coffee on the porch in the mornings- finding those small things that you love and that really make you happy is so so important! Making it a conscious effort to do those things on a consistent basis helps maintain a level of self-awareness that can only lead to calmness & happy thoughts!
“Optimists are 7x as likely to experience more financial health than pessismists.”
..but be active too!
People need people and that’s the truth! No matter how independent you are, everyone needs someone! Surrounding yourself around happy, like minded people is probably the easiest way to stay optimistic about life there is! I mean, it’s pretty hard to be sad and worried about life when no one else around you is! One of my favorite things to do is Saturday morning brunch. There’s something about food, girl talk, and of course mimosas that makes me so grateful that I have some amazing people in my life.
Set Some Goals & Watch Them Flourish
I know most of of us set our “Yearly Goals” every new year, or at least have a goal every now & then. Goal setting in itself can lead to optimism, especially once you start seeing them being accomplished! Accomplishment is one of the many things that can allow someone to believe in their self more than they every have! It can be very rewarding to see something that you’ve wanted for so long in your life to finally be happening.
“Optimists experience 145 fewer days of financial stress per year than pessimists.”
These are just a few things that I do to stay optimistic throughout the year! Although I have some other small things- the few things above are the ones that keep me truly focused & happy. If you are struggling with being optimistic, Frost Bank has a 30-day Optimism challenge that I will for sure be joining soon! Each day has something different like “buy coffee for a stranger”, etc & it is a great way to spread some happiness around. Sounds like fun- right?! I’m totally thinking of doing it myself! What are some of your secrets to “obtaining optimism”? I would love to know!
Until Next Time!,
B
