Family Encyclopedia >> Work

4 ways to be more positive

The happier you are, the more likely you will be imaginative and innovative. Positive emotions loosen people's thinking patterns, allowing them to think wider and wider, creating unusual connections between ideas. Those new connections can lead to a creative thought right away, or they can lead to ingenuity later. Turn your bad mood into creative inspiration with these tips!

1. Take a deep breath
When you're stressed or upset, you need to relax before you can really feel positive. The relaxation response restores your central nervous system after stress. Take a moment to feel comfortable and take a deep breath, focusing on your exhalation.

2. Try a happy habit or two
Once you reset, look for ways to boost your mood. Some proven strategies:Write down five things you are grateful for or ask a coworker to take you for a walk. Even if you are an introverted person, social interaction is good for mental well-being. Once your positivity is on the rise, your creativity will follow.

3. truant
Moments of extreme happiness, which make you wonder about life, are great creative boosters. So if you're stuck in the office or at home working on a project that you hope is innovative and fresh, you may want to plan a break. Take a walk. Go for a swim. Visit an art exhibition. It's not procrastinating when it's inspiring. To break free from guilt, think of your playtime as data for your creativity.

4. Don't reject your dark side
Constantly cheerful is not natural. While an overall sunnier setup leads to originality, dark showers are also part of the process. Denial and avoidance of your negative feelings creates an emotional numbness that is the worst for creativity. Studies have shown that some people's creativity blossoms after adversity and struggle, but only when they try to understand their feelings. Write down your experiences, or talk to a friend.