Ways to surround yourself: positive vibes

Positive vibes or positive energy gives rise to motivation and we require this motivation to perform our daily tasks and fulfill our potential. Lack of motivation can often make us feel disinterested and apathetic about the world around us. Motivation abounds in a positive environment that is filled with positive thoughts, emotions and people.

Such an atmosphere gives us the enthusiasm and inspiration that we need to function optimally. Individuals who have a positive attitude towards life are able to make the most of every moment and are also able to inspire those around them. Being surrounded by positive vibes not only allows you to live better, but also makes you a positive person yourself.

Studies have shown that people with a positive attitude enjoy better health and go through the natural process of ageing in a much healthy manner. They also seem to have higher energy levels and fall prey to infections and illnesses less often. In one such study, about 100,000 women were evaluated over a period of 50 years. The researchers found that the women who manifested a positive approach were 30 per cent less likely to die from chronic diseases as compared to women who had a more pessimistic nature. Also women who manifested negative or hostile characteristics were seen to have a higher death rate and a higher chance of dying from cancers. Therefore medical research too highlights the important of positivity in our lives.

You can bring positivity and optimism to your life in a variety of ways. Here are some simple ways to surround yourself with positive vibes;

Meditate – Making meditation a part of your day does wonders for your mental and emotional well being. The easiest way to meditate is to sit in a comfortable position in a peaceful environment and focus on your breathing for some time. This helps to improve focus and awareness and eases away feelings of negativity and frustration.

Hold no grudges – We often find negativity creeping into lives when we harbor resentment or ill feeling towards others. Such feelings also have a tendency to grow out of proportion and cause further damage. It is important to wake up each day without the slightest bit of resentment towards anyone or anything. Once you do this, you will find that you automatically attract positive vibes from others.

Go with the flow – One of the ways we drive away the positivity from our lives is when we attempt to control everyone and everything. This is most often not possible and hence leads to stress. It is best, at times, to let go of that urge to control and simply go along with the flow of things.

Admire nature – Today our lives are governed by work, household chores and worries about the future. We seem to forget that we are also surrounded by nature. Alleviate negativity by taking a nature walk. Allowing yourself to experience nature with all your senses has a wonderfully soothing effect on the body and mind.

Live in the moment – It is important to plan for the future in order to ensure a secure life for your family and yourself. However nothing is achieved by obsessing about it. There are things that will always remain beyond your control and worrying about them only creates stress and anxiety. Try as much as possible to live in the moment and focus on the present.

Positive foods – Nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids are known to improve the functioning of the brain cell receptors. They are present in foods such as olive oil, nuts and fatty fish and help in preventing depression. Vitamin B6 which is found in foods such as oats and bananas also help in enhancing mental state. It is advisable to avoid sugary foods and beverages which do lead to a temporary high, but cause you to crash soon after.

Socialize – One of the best ways to stay positive is to remain in the company of positive individuals. Such individuals exude optimism and provide a constructive, supportive environment for others.

Seek inspiration – You develop positivity also when you read inspirational books or articles. They motivate and encourage you to better. Reading by itself is a positive habit as it improves focus and mental functioning.

Herbs for positivity – The herbal supplement, St. John’s Wort helps in reducing depressive feelings. It stabilizes the mood and thus keeps you balanced. The herb, Griffonia seed is also believed to help in improving mood. It is advisable to consult a doctor before using any herbal supplements.

Be grateful – Even though we don’t always realize it, there is a lot of good in our lives. So instead of focusing on what is lacking, it is important to be thankful for the things we do have. This simple act of being grateful and thankful can go a long way in maintaining positivity.