Girl talk Lifestyle

How to stay positive and happy, all day long

how to stay positive

how to stay positive

How many times does your mood change throughout the day? You get stuck in morning traffic, someone at work says something negative to you and it’s enough to ruin your mood.

Isn’t it funny how one negative comment from someone can completely change your mood sometimes? When I first started my work as a paralegal, every single time a client had a complaint or a bad attitude, I took it personally. Even though it can get a little stressful at times, I like what I do and most of our clients are very nice, polite people. So, if 90% of the people I deal with are not only civilized but also pleasant to deal with, why would I let that 10% who aren’t, get to me?

You can’t always control things that happen to you, but you can always control how you react to them- this is something that I say A LOT- and it’s also something that I tell myself quite often, too. And trust me, we ALL go through difficult situations.

Today, we’ll talk about a few things that will help you stay positive throughout an entire day- regardless of what comes your way.

GET AN EARLY START

Trust me, there’s nothing better than getting an early start to your day. One of the reasons why I love getting up early is that I am never in a rush and this dramatically reduces the possibility of me being stressed first thing in the morning. As I’m writing this post, it’s 6.30 am, I already made breakfast, had a morning stretch and I also tried to walk my dog- but he’s way too lazy in the morning. If it wasn’t for my early mornings, I also don’t think that I’d be able to blog as often as I do. If you want to learn how I became a morning person, see this post.

Gluten free overnight oats recipe

HAVE A HEALTHY BREAKFAST

Make sure that you eat something light and healthy in the morning. Skipping breakfast is never a good idea- especially if you have a tendency to turn grumpy when you’re hungry. Having something light will also prevent you from feeling too full and sluggish- which can also affect your mood.

MAKE SURE YOUR WORKSPACE IS CLEAN

Whether it’s work or school- make sure that your workspace is clean and organized. This will also reduce your possibility of getting stressed- you won’t be stuck looking for that important paper you need and having clean and organized workspace will also help you be more efficient and productive.

POCKET MEDITATION

This is probably one of my favorite ways of calming down whenever I start feeling anxious. It can be done anywhere, even when you’re driving- as long as you don’t close your eyes. All it takes is one minute of yogic breathing and you will feel happier, instantly. To learn the pocket meditation, see this video by one of my favorite people- Gabby Bernstein.

mac-flat-out-fabulous

GET SOME FRESH AIR

If you have the possibility of having lunch outside, do it. Get some fresh air, breath deeply and focus on the present moment. If you can, take a little walk in the fresh air as a mid-day pick-me-up. If you can’t do any of these things, open up a window and let some fresh air in.

FIND SOME TIME JUST FOR YOURSELF

There is nothing wrong with treating yourself, self-love is so very important for your happiness. It doesn’t have to be a full-on spa day, but maybe a 5-minute face mask or a quick workout. Whenever I feel like my day isn’t going too well, I take a little break, go to my favorite coffee shop and get a nice cup of latte or tea. Little things like these are sort of like acts of kindness toward yourself and they will make you feel happier.

Being a positive person doesn’t mean that you’re happy and cheery all the time. It means that rather than letting things get to you, you chose to let go. You chose to forgive (whether it be someone, something or yourself) and move on.

 

60 Comments

  • Reply
    Linda Libra Loca
    February 3, 2016 at 10:07 am

    Early mornings are my secret weapon as well. If the day starts rushed, I will keep feeling stressed no matter what.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

  • Reply
    Nameless Gap
    February 3, 2016 at 10:15 am

    Great post! Being positive is so important! Loved this tips, will try to follow them so they can help me become more positive :)
    Paula | http://www.namelessgap.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Linda
    February 3, 2016 at 10:34 am

    Honestly, you’re one of my favorite bloggers to read. I really enjoy reading your posts and I found this post to be really helpful. Sometimes, I’ll have a bad day and it’ll just drag on until the next day so thank you so much for this post!

    http://www.llindatt.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Amanda Elizabeth
    February 3, 2016 at 10:56 am

    Choosing to be happy right? Life is so stressful but you have to will yourself into a good mood at all costs. I totally agree about getting up early, you have such an easier time organizing and centering your day that way!

  • Reply
    Missy Quigley
    February 3, 2016 at 11:14 am

    These are great tips! Control the controllables is one of my favorite mantras. Have a great day. Now I am going to clean my workspace!

  • Reply
    Ashley
    February 3, 2016 at 11:21 am

    This is awesome advice, staying organized has always helped me!

    Ashley
    http://www.ashleyelizabethbeauty.com

  • Reply
    Emerald
    February 3, 2016 at 11:25 am

    Such a great post!

    emerald | Life By Emerald

  • Reply
    missgetaway
    February 3, 2016 at 11:28 am

    Couldn’t agree more on fact one. Getting up early changes everything for me. Whenever I sleep in I seem to be super unmotivated and uproductive all day long.

    Love, kerstin
    http://www.missgetaway.com/

  • Reply
    MsganaWrites
    February 3, 2016 at 12:15 pm

    Your blogposts are so bae. Keep on creating amazing content babe!

  • Reply
    Rebecca Fletcher
    February 3, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    Great post & great advice! :) I swear by meditation for my anxiety, it has changes my life. X

    http://www.beautylifebecca.blogspot.co.uk

  • Reply
    Marilyn
    February 3, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    These are such great tips! I’m a morning person too and if for whatever reason I end up sleeping late, my whole day just feels thrown off. Breakfast is actually my favorite meal of the day (I can eat it any time lol!). The best feeling is when I get up early, go for my walk and I’m back and showered by 9 am. :) I work from home so I spend a lot of time by myself already but getting outside a few times a week really helps me.

  • Reply
    Brooke & Erica
    February 3, 2016 at 5:47 pm

    That is exactly right – you choose to be happy. Great advice :)

    Erica
    http://www.pumpsandpushups.com

  • Reply
    Nereyda Gonzalez
    February 3, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    I’m struggling with the last one. My day is so busy with kids and normal every day life that I find it hard to even find time to watch a tv show. I need to work better to MAKE time. A good breakfast makes such a difference. The one you pictured looks soooo good!

    Nereyda│ This Girl Is Obsessed

  • Reply
    MargaritaChi.co
    February 3, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    Some great tips Paula! I used to take things so personally and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to learn to let things go and focus on the good (especially at work!).

    I totally agree with your healthy breakfast point – if I start the day off on a bad note, I find it hard to feel great. I have been having oats and almond milk for breakfast with berries. It’s healthy, filling and gives me energy to get through the morning!

    Margarita Chi | MARGARITACHI.CO

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 8, 2016 at 12:26 pm

      Yes! this is one of the reasons why I love getting older :) I love oats for breakfast, too! Definitely my go-to for a healthy start for the day:)

  • Reply
    The Sunday Mode
    February 3, 2016 at 7:48 pm

    Becoming a morning person is always an uphill battle for me. The earliest I can usually roll out of bed willingly is around 8am, I just naturally always feel so much more rejuvenated at night time which makes it difficult to get to sleep earlier.

    I do think that keeping a tidy and organised workspace is a great way keep your spirits lifted. If things get crazy around me (even if it’s just on my desk) my mind always feels more frantic.

    http://www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au

  • Reply
    Miss Makeup Magpie
    February 3, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    I definitely feel better on the days I wake up early – it just somehow puts me in a better mood xx

    Gemma ♥ | Miss Makeup Magpie

  • Reply
    Fabulous and Beauty
    February 3, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    Oh how I struggle with waking up early, I have been trying to wake up early for so long but my laziness takes me over. I am not going to give up tho. I agree with all of your tips, especially meditation and treating yourself.

    Thanks for sharing,
    Fahmzz | http://www.fabulousandbeauty.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 8, 2016 at 12:35 pm

      Keep trying, I was the same way and never thought of myself as a morning person. Now I’m up by 6 am every day :)

  • Reply
    Cielo Fronteras
    February 3, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    Great tips! Enjoyed reading this post =)

    – Cielo

    Mermaid in Heels

  • Reply
    ZAUNI.
    February 4, 2016 at 12:50 am

    In regards to ‘make sure your space is organized’ I read something recently that was along the lines of “never underestimate the power of a clean room, and new linens to improve a negative mood.” I think that’s so true. Ever since I came across that tidbit, whenever I’m feeling glum, uninspired, or just unproductive, I take a minute to clean up the space around me. It truly does change your perspective :)
    hellozauni.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 8, 2016 at 12:37 pm

      It really does! I love having an empty sink in the kitchen and don’t even get me started of fresh linens! Instant mood lifter :)

  • Reply
    TOUCH OF GUCCI
    February 4, 2016 at 5:47 am

    Great post! I certainly agree with the ‘early start’. If I sleep in or wake up late, I feel like I’ve just wasted the whole day! x

    TOUCHOFGUCCI // BLOGLOVIN

  • Reply
    laura anne
    February 4, 2016 at 6:13 am

    Thankyou. I really needed this post today as I’m really having a down day :( xxxx

    LAURA THINKS ABOUT BLOG

  • Reply
    Kay (shoesandglitter)
    February 4, 2016 at 6:36 am

    This is a really helpful and inspiring post, darling! I’ll be the first to admit – I stress out way too easily. I always let even the smallest things get to me! But I have actually been following some of your tips and they really do help. Especially getting up early in the morning… I used to always get up way too late for work, which always ended up in stressful mornings and bad mood. Now, I get up way earlier than I need to. It’s nice having a little bit of time to yourself in the mornings, with some good breakfast and a cup of tea. :) <3 Hope you're having a fab week so far, hun. x

    Kay
    http://shoesandglitter.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 8, 2016 at 12:49 pm

      Thanks so much Kay! I used to stress out about every single little thing too, I know how annoying and overwhelming it can be. I have to say that getting up early has made a huge difference for me too, it’s definitely sets a nice, positive tone for the rest of the day :)

  • Reply
    Dagmara Klich
    February 4, 2016 at 7:34 am

    Your posts are always so inspiring, Paula! I agree that if I’m rushing in the morning and getting late I’m in a very bad mood, and I tend to shout at my boys when they’re being slow, forgetting that they’re only small kids. Definitely need to start getting up a bit earlier :) x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 8, 2016 at 12:50 pm

      Aw thank you so much Dagmara! Omg I hate being in a rush, it can definitely put you in a bad mood haha ;)

  • Reply
    Alina
    February 4, 2016 at 9:45 am

    This happens to me all the time, I start my day off feeling inspired and positive but half way through if something happens I can turn so negative, so these tips are really helpful and something I need to work on x

    Beauty with charm

  • Reply
    Biana Perez
    February 4, 2016 at 10:40 am

    I can’t tell you how many times I go to work so happy and then something happens and my mood turns sour – thanks for these suggestions – getting a workout in at lunch usually helps me! xo, Biana – BlovedBoston

  • Reply
    Ela BellaWorld
    February 4, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    I have to leave home around 6:30 am during week days, so I definitely have an early morning but my mornings don’t include any of these things you said. Since I am not happy with my job, it is really hard to stay positive and I am the grumpiest person most of the time. Pocket meditation sounds like a great idea, I should really consider it :)

    Ela BellaWorld

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 8, 2016 at 1:00 pm

      Ohh so sorry to hear that you’re not too happy with your job at the moment Ela. Trust me, I know how it feels to be in that position.

  • Reply
    Nazlıgül
    February 5, 2016 at 7:48 am

    I definitely agree with waking up early. But of course, I sleep a lot and when I wake up in the middle of the day, it’s just exhausting. Great tips!

    Kisses,xx

    Nazlıgül | on my own way

  • Reply
    augustinra
    February 6, 2016 at 2:48 am

    I also feel happy and it makes me think that I would have a great and productive day ahead when I wake up early specially when I get enough sleep. :)

    Augustin Ra | Indie Spirit

  • Reply
    Samileen
    February 7, 2016 at 12:45 am

    Totally agree with you on getting up early, and I really need to strive to become a morning person, as much as I try to be one, I always find my self getting late in the morning and stressing over things.

    Sam || Beautydetour

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      February 8, 2016 at 1:10 pm

      Oh it took me years to get used to waking up early. Years a go, I’d only give myself about half an hour to get ready and leave the house. It feels so much better to do everything at your own pace, rather than rushing all the time. :)

  • Reply
    Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
    February 8, 2016 at 1:02 pm

    I love that pocket meditation- I use it all the time!

  • Reply
    Gyudy
    February 10, 2016 at 9:18 am

    I completely agree! An early start makes you head out the door with an amazing feeling of accomplishment :) xx
    Gyudy @ Gyudy’s Notes Of Beauty

  • Reply
    Nishant Raj
    May 3, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    It’s really worth to read that post and so many good things to share here , Thanks For ThatPositive And be Happy

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