5 Tips for Being More Optimistic

By Denise Humphrey, Ph.D., www.DeniseHumphrey.com

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. While this old adage may seem oversimplified for people facing serious life challenges, there is great truth to the saying. There are many things we cannot control in life, but the mindset we have, the perspective we choose, and the attitude we adopt are all within our control. Research indicates that optimism not only positively affects how we adjust to life circumstances, it also improves physical and mental wellness.

Keep the following tips in mind as you navigate through the small annoyances of  life, as well as the big challenges. Notice how you feel and think about how the outcome may have been different if you had chosen a more pessimistic view of the situation. 

5 Tips for Being More Optimistic

1. Reframe the situation. When presented with a situation that triggers panic, alarm, fear or any other negative emotion, reframe the situation and see how you may view it differently. For example, someone who is experiencing layoffs at work may feel panicked that his or her job is also at risk for being cut. Maybe so, but instead of getting caught up in the fear, realize that new opportunities are also available can be very exciting. Change can be hard, but it can also be good.
2. Take control of the situation. There are few feelings more debilitating than feeling powerless. Rarely, however, are we truly powerless. When unpleasant situations occur, rather than adapt a “victim” mentality consider how your own actions (or in actions) may have contributed to the undesirable circumstance. Then, take action. Assume control of your life, and remove yourself from the undesirable situation. Choose action and know you are capable of creating the life you desire. 
3. Know what makes you happy. Pay attention  to your emotions and become aware of what brings on a happy feeling. When you feel good, make a conscious effort to understand why you feel good. Once you know what makes you happy, you can create more opportunities for having that experience. The even better news is that simply remembering what makes us happy can have the same effect. You don’t have to go buy flowers, remembering the flowers you received the week before may do the trick.  
4. Make real connections. As humans, we crave relationships with substance. Small talk can be fun and appropriate at social gatherings or professional networking events, but substantial, meaningful conversations and relationships are what bring a sense of fulfillment to our lives. Make a point to frequently connect with those you love, admire or just simply enjoy.
5. Make lemonade. If you feel like you have a basketful of lemons, now is the time to start making lemonade! Whether through talk therapy or through journaling, systematically evaluate your perspective on the situations in your life that are sources of stress or sadness. Determine how you may view the situations differently. Develop a plan of action, and then take action. Lemonade is always an option!

Denise Humphrey, Ph.D
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Humphrey today! 972-239-2490

CREDENTIALS
•    Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology:  Fielding Graduate University
•    Master of Music in Piano Performance:  University of Notre Dame
•    Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance:  Southern Methodist University
•    License No. and State: 32345 Texas
•    Board of Trustees, Dallas Foundation for Psychoanalysis
•    Chair, Arts Committee for the Dallas Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology
•    Member, National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology