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Positive thinking is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals and live a happier life and improve mental health. However, it can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude when times get tough. That’s why it’s important to have positive thinking activities available to you, so in this post we are going to look at some of the very best positive thinking activities for adults.
1. Listening to positive music
Listening to music is a great positive thinking activity. However, it’s important to choose the right kind of music. Many people enjoy listening to uplifting and inspiring songs that make them feel good. If you struggle to stay positive, it’s a great idea to create a playlist of songs that you can listen to at any time.
2. Doing things you love
Another great positive thinking exercise, is doing something you love. For example, if you enjoy writing and you don’t get to do it on a regular basis, making time to write a blog post or journal can do wonders for your mood. Another example would be going for a walk in nature or listening to your favourite album.
I am blessed that I live right next to the coast, and one of my favourite things to do is visit the beach and watch the waves roll onto the sand, this always improves my positivity and helps remove any negative emotions I might have been feeling.
We are all aware that there are some things we enjoy doing and some things we don’t, so when you find yourself lacking in motivation and you’re finding it difficult to give positive thoughts a chance, doing the things you enjoy is one of the best positivity exercises you can do.
3. Practice gratitude
One of the best positive thinking activities for adults is to practice gratitude. By practicing gratitude, you are creating a positive attitude and you will be more likely to see the positive in any situation that you find yourself in and reducing any negativity you may have been feeling. Use a gratitude journal to log everything you are grateful for, so you can look back through it when you need a little positivity boost.
4. Creating something
When you create something, you are expressing yourself in a meaningful way. For example, you can write a poem, make a painting, or create a new recipe. Creating something can be a great way to get rid of negative thoughts, and bring on positive emotions in their place.
5. Helping others
Helping others is a great positive thinking activity for adults, this is because helping others is a good thing, and a positive experience that feels good and it helps us to stop worrying about ourselves. For example, volunteering at a charity can help you stay positive, since your hard work will contribute to others feeling better. Even if you don’t have time to volunteer, you can still help others by sending a kind email, making a phone call, or simply expressing appreciation or gratitude.
6. Reading positive inspiring books
Reading a positive book is a great activity to stop any negative thinking and help you to stay positive. Reading a book can help you to relax, and can also teach you something new. Since reading a book is a fairly passive activity, this also makes it a great way to unwind when you’re feeling stressed out.A good idea is to keep a list of the books that you enjoy, so you can return them whenever you are feeling down.
7. Exercising and staying in shape
Exercising is a great positive thinking activity for adults, because exercising releases endorphins, which are natural feel good hormones, it’s is also a great way to relieve stress. So by carrying out regular exercise you can’t help but feel more positive about yourself and life in general.
8. Getting outdoors and enjoying the sunshine
Sunshine has the power to make you feel good, therefore getting outdoors and enjoying the sunshine can be a great positive thinking activity for adults. For example, you can go for a walk, or simply sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. Being out in the sun also provides you with vitamin D which has been linked to reducing diseases and depression. (source: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-vitamin-d#1.-Vitamin-D-may-fight-disease)
9. Talking to friends
Talking to friends and spending time with loved ones can fill you with positive emotions, since spending time with people you love or care about is an excellent way to boost your mood. Not only will you be able to share your thoughts with people that really care about you, but you also have the opportunity to grow closer to them, and maybe even make new friends, which can only be a positive thing.
10. Spending time with animals
If you are an animal lover, then you will know that spending time with them can be a very positive experience. Animals can be a great comfort during hard times, as they bring us right into the present moment, and love us unconditionally without and drama or judgement, which is why spending time with animals is one of the best positive thinking activities.
11. Writing in a journal
Writing in a journal is a great positive thinking activity for adults because it can help you to express your thoughts, and it also gives you a chance to clear your mind. Writing in a journal can be a very effective way to work through your problems, and a journal is also a great way to record your achievements, so that you have something to look back on whenever you are feeling down.
12. Getting enough sleep
Getting enough sleep can help you sustain a positive mindset, since it allows your body to repair itself while you are asleep. In addition to helping you to stay positive, getting enough sleep also helps you to maintain your energy levels and improve your mood.
13. Exploring new things
Exploring new things is a great positive thinking activity for adults, because it will help to stimulate your mind and keep it active. For example, if you like history, try visiting a museum and learn new things. If you like the arts, you could try going to visit a concert, or movie theater.
14. Planning your future and setting goals
Creating goals and planning your future gives you a sense of purpose, this is why planning your future is a great positive thinking activity for adults. When you create goals, you are taking control of your future, and you know you have something to work towards in life.
15. Taking time to meditate
Meditation is a positive thinking activity that you should consider adding to your regular routine. Meditating can help you to stay positive, since it helps you to relax and gives you a chance to clear your mind. In addition to helping you to stay positive, meditation has also been linked to a variety of health benefits.
16. Being present
How often do you find yourself thinking about the past, or the future? Being present can improve your mental health and help you to stay positive. Being present is especially important because it helps you to be mindful of the here and now, and enjoy the moment.
17. Going out with friends
Going out with friends and having fun is a great way to relieve stress, increase optimism and stay positive. If you don’t have time to go out, you can still make plans with friends and family, which will help to improve your mood. Going out with friends also gives you the opportunity to do the things you enjoy, which is why it is one of the best positive thinking activities for adults.
18. Watching inspiring videos
Watching videos can be a great way to learn new things and think positive. For example, you could watch a Ted talk on how to stay positive, or you could watch a video that inspires you.
19. Having sex
Having sex can improve your mood and in most cases is a positive thing, since having sex releases endorphins, which are natural feel good hormones.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many positive thinking activities for adults that you can try, that will improve your positive thinking skills, and help remove any negative thought patterns you may be falling victim to. The key is to find the positive thinking activities that work best for you and always try you best to keep a positive outlook on life.
