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Last Updated on April 22, 2022 by Alaina Bullock
It can be difficult to stay optimistic when you’re feeling down, but it’s important to remember that mental health is a journey. There will be ups and downs, but if you focus on the positive, you’ll be able to get through the tough times.
Of course, that’s easier said than done. Turning negative thoughts into positive ones doesn’t come naturally for many people, especially if you’re not mentally well. It takes time and practice.
Here are some tips on how to stay optimistic when you’re feeling mentally unhealthy.
Acknowledge your feelings
The first step is to acknowledge how you’re feeling. Recognizing when something is wrong isn’t a bad thing.
Don’t try to bottle up your emotions or pretend everything is okay when it’s not. If you’re feeling sad, angry, or hurt, don’t try and bury the feeling. Acknowledge that you’re going through a tough time is important for getting through it.
Talk to someone
If you’re feeling down, talk to someone who can understand what you’re going through. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who can offer support.
Talking about your feelings can help you feel better and give you some new perspectives. It can help you rationalize things and realize the worst might not happen. This is a big step towards learning how to stay optimistic.
Don’t let fear control you
It can be easy to let fear take control if you’re feeling down. Some common fears people struggle with are fear of the future, fear of what others think, or even fear of change.
While it’s normal to have some fears, don’t let them take over your life. Acknowledge your fears, but don’t let them dictate how you live your life.
Be grateful
It’s easy to dwell on the negative when you’re feeling mentally unhealthy, but it’s important to try and be grateful. Think about things that make you happy or things you’re glad about.
For instance, think about any accomplishments you’ve made in life. Even the smallest ones, like getting out of a bed and brushing your teeth, are something worth being grateful for. Focusing on gratitude can help shift your thinking and feel more optimistic.
Question your negative thoughts
Negative thoughts are common when you’re feeling down, but it’s important to question them. You should ask yourself questions like “Why do you feel this way?” or “What evidence do you have to support these thoughts?”
Oftentimes, our negative thoughts are based on irrational fears or false beliefs. Once you start questioning them, you’ll realize how illogical they are. Questioning those negative thoughts can help you learn how to stay optimistic.
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining your mental health and learning how to stay optimistic. It’s easy to fall into a slump and let yourself go when you feel mentally exhausted, but you can’t let this exhaustion get the better of you.
Make sure you’re eating healthy, exercising, getting enough sleep, and doing things that make you happy. This will help you feel better both physically and mentally.
Don’t let your bad days get to you
Everyone has them, but it’s important to remember that bad days don’t last forever. Things will get better even if they seem like they won’t.
You should focus on the present and take things one day at a time. Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. Just focus on today and what you can do to make it a good day.
Seek professional help
If you’re feeling down and nothing seems to be helping, it might be time to seek professional help. A therapist or treatment center can provide guidance and support to help you through tough times.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness. Getting help is an important step in getting better and staying mentally healthy.
Being optimistic can change your life
Being optimistic can mark a drastic improvement in your life. It can help you see the glass half full and make the best out of every situation.
If you’re struggling to stay optimistic, follow the tips above. You deserve to live a happy and mentally healthy life.