How do I stop being so negative?

[Axtman]

I find myself being negative and a pessimist all the time. I seem to be able to find the cloud in every silver lining. How do I stop being so negative and become more positive? As an added bonus I think I will become more happy and satisfied with my life if I quit being so darn negative.

Help!

[hdracer]

I don't know what to say but maybe you can find some answers here.

http://www.drlaura.com/main/

[Unrepresented]

Kool & the Gang.

Specifically the first fifteen seconds of Jungle Jazz. If you can't feel more optimistic after hearing a gong lead way into the funkiest cowbell beat ever, then there's nothing that'll help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRu2-v1Adnk














*while jazz flute consumption has been considered safe for many adults and teenagers, it can have detrimental effects for a small minority of the population and motor vehicle or heavy machinery operation should not be attempted until individual response to jazz flute is known.

[mpdd]

negativity usually comes from frustration, change your routine

[Lesfunk]

Prozac!

[EBodious]

off the top of my head, i can think of two possible paths:

1) you can effectively deal with this on your own. in this case, follow all the advice you get here about changes in routine, diet, exercise, social situations, philosophical outlook, etc. some of them will do the trick.

2) it is more serious then that and requires professional help. therapy can work wonders. it got me thru a tough year and when i was back on my feet i moved on. and, it was covered by my health insurance. hope that is the case for you.

either way, acknowledging the issue and declaring your desire to change are the first steps. good job. follow thu comes next. good luck.

i hope you can find a workable solution.

[funkydjembe]

I wanted to say "eat your wheaties", but i figured to say instead; respect yourself and others, and find the beauty within yourself as a significant being who shares the planet with all living creatures at this point in time

[bassguppy]

Originally Posted by EBodious

off the top of my head, i can think of two possible paths:

1) you can effectively deal with this on your own. in this case, follow all the advice you get here about changes in routine, diet, exercise, social situations, philosophical outlook, etc. some of them will do the trick.

2) it is more serious then that and requires professional help. therapy can work wonders. it got me thru a tough year and when i was back on my feet i moved on. and, it was covered by my health insurance. hope that is the case for you.

either way, acknowledging the issue and declaring your desire to change are the first steps. good job. follow thu comes next. good luck.

i hope you can find a workable solution.

In total agreement. Exercise can do wonders for some in their outlook, personal pride, accomplishing goals, etc...

I will add mental health therapy can work wonders for some. Dealing with issues maybe from years back can weigh a person down.

I'm not sure of the OP's background and history but upbringing can play a role. If your home has/had a negative/pessimistic vibe because of others in the family with depression or dysthymic disorder (long-term depression) that can form and influence your current feelings.

Also, psych meds can be used in conjunction with therapy but shouldn't be used (IMO) long-term unless you have a chemical imbalance in your brain chemistry that warrants it.

Absolutely no shame in needing psych meds to restore balance in your brain, Would you not take high-blood pressure meds if you had hypertension? Or, a not take a medication to lower your cholesterol? Same thing.

[stratovani]

Originally Posted by Axtman

I find myself being negative and a pessimist all the time. I seem to be able to find the cloud in every silver lining. How do I stop being so negative and become more positive? As an added bonus I think I will become more happy and satisfied with my life if I quit being so darn negative.

Help!

Stop watching the news! Seriously! It's negativity all the time. Instead listen to some good music of your choice and practice your bass playing, and I don't mean structured practicing, I mean just playing for the sheer joy of it. And go out and get some sunshine and fresh air!

[Eublet]

Develop a habit of giving and spend some time doing some charitable work. Homeless shelters, soup kitchens, Big Brother, etc. Giving of yourself to others has a huge positive affect on your attitude, and seeing how tough some folks have it should make you feel a little more grateful and less negative.

[doctorjazz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlBiLNN1NhQ

[bassguppy]

Originally Posted by stratovani

Stop watching the news! Seriously! It's negativity all the time.

And therein lies the reason the USA is so polarized politically.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Try some new social activities.

Could be job related?

How active are you? Some more physical activity, going to the gym or playing a sport could help?

[Staccato]

Start looking for ways to recognize the good in people, and situations. And, don't assume the worst behavior-where strangers are concerned.
Give people that you do or don't know-the benefit of the doubt.

[Pilgrim]

Associate with positive people. A lot of the pessimists I know associate with people that mirror and feed their attitude.

[Radical Edward]

If you ask anyone here, I WAS an emotional, angry, pessimistic wreck for quite some time. As of late that's completely changed and I'm happy and lovey and see the good in every aspect of life.
What's changed?
First off, I had to identify what was making me so pessimistic and stuff all the time. Once I did, I dropped that and went on. That wasn't all. I started eating healthier, and spending more time doing things that made me happier and I stopped caring what other people thought of me.
The best advice I can give:
Life is short, enjoy it while you can, cut out the crap, take small steps every day to be happier, and live life the way you want to. Not how others want you to, because life's too short to worry about every little thing and stress about everything.
SMILE!!

[jmattbassplaya]

I was in a similar phase not too long ago, and it was one that lasted me for a few years after a series of bad events. What I'll tell you is that it starts with finding the source of your issues. Are you unhappy with where you are in your life, your friendships, your self-image, your job, or your spouse; or is it possible that it might not be anything and it might just be a rut brought on by chemical changes? Pinpointing this is the start because then it'll help you better work towards fixing the problem.

As a general overview, here are some things you can do that should help.
First - Start exercising if you currently aren't. A happy body can honestly lead to a happy mind. It doesn't matter if you swim, run, walk, play frisbee, or anything - just go out and do something for an hour or two at least 3 times a week.

Second - Eat better. It's amazing how much fatty foods can bring you down, make you sluggish, and make your general outlook on life much more negative. Instead of cheese dip get a salad, instead of steak get a chicken breast, instead of coke have a water or unsweetened tea. For the first two weeks this might seem like hell, but once you get past the initial shock of eating better you'll find that overly processed foods will make you sick and you'll wonder how you ever ate them to begin with.

Third - Socialize. If someone asks you to go out for a beer or to see a movie say yes. Don't make excuses like you're tired or you don't feel in the mood. You need to make yourself get in the mood, and once you're actually out you'll be surprised how much happier you'll feel.

Fourth - Laugh. Watch funny things, read joke books, and most importantly laugh at your mistakes. Don't focus on what you did wrong or be too negative about a screw up - they will always happen- just learn to laugh at it and go with the punches. It'll help a lot.

Anyways, these are just a few and I'm sure I'll think of more. In the mean time just try to figure out what's bothering because there's definitely a reason for why your outlook is negative.

[warwick.hoy]

Meditate in the morning and set the intention that you will be a positive person for the rest of the day. No matter what is thrown your way remind yourself of that meditation. Helps me a lot.

[geeza]

Get laid.

[MakiSupaStar]

Surf.