What's in Your Positivity Toolbox?

What's in your positivity toolbox? When you're feeling stuck in a downward spiral, or just need to boost your positivity, what tips and tricks do you choose from? If you're thinking, "I don't have that kind of toolbox." keep reading! I've compiled a list of some of my favorites so you can use it to create your own collection.

• Take 5 – 8 slow, deep breaths
• Do something kind for someone else (maybe an email telling someone what I appreciate about them)
• Do some fun exercise/movement/dance
• Listen to a favorite song (I have a list that I can choose from)
• Spend some time with friends or family (in person or pick up the phone)
• Spend time with a pet, such as my dog or cats
• Get outside
• Reread my favorite quotes (posted around my desk)
• Think of good things that have happened in the past day or two
• Watch a funny video or look at funny pictures (easy to find on the web)
• Be grateful for the simple things in my life that weren’t available 20 years ago, 100 years ago, etc. 
• Be grateful for specific people in my life and think about why
• Be grateful for situations and opportunities in my life
• Read or even reread a book that inspires me
• Think of a memory that lifts my spirits (remember using all five senses)
• Spend time remembering a past success
• Smile and make sure I’m crinkling the corners of my eyes (to activate the part of my brain associated with happiness)
• Spend time doing a favorite hobby or pastime (this might be cooking, yoga, or biking for me)

Hopefully, some of these ideas resonated with you or inspired some additional ideas you can use. Be sure to write them down and refer to them often.

To browse past positivity tips, visit this page.

Tina Hallis, Ph.D., is a professional speaker and founder of The Positive Edge, a company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations increase their positivity to improve the quality of people’s work lives and the quality of company cultures.