If you think negatively about almost everything in life, it is time you start practising some positivity to improve things around you.

You will be affected by negative thought every once in a while but constantly thinking in a negative way will only cause harm. Negative thoughts are like a downward spiral with no end. On the other hand, being positive can help you stay motivated even during the toughest phase of your life.

Changing one’s mindset isn’t something that can be done overnight. Hence, we spoke to Dr Barmi, a renowned Delhi-based clinical psychologist, to understand how we can turn a negative mindset towards positivity.

She said, “There is nothing that can change you entirely and turn you into a new person, but we can change the way we perceive situations. For being positive, you don’t have to be unrealistic. You just have to change your point of view to see the situation more positively.”

Here are 8 tips from Dr Barmi to help you transform your mindset and become more positive:

1. Surround yourself with positive people

Your friends and the kind of people you surround yourself with plays a major role in how you feel and behave. Dr Barmi says, “It’s important to be around people who are positive and help you embrace your best self. Such people will always motivate you, appreciate you and help you grow as a person.”

2. Create a positive environment

Just like people can have an impact on you, your surrounding also plays a role in how you feel. “A positive surrounding is important for you because it’s the space where you spend most of your time. Make it comfortable, cozy, warm and happy,” says Dr Barmi.

Simple changes like painting your room with warm colours, or adding some elements that make you feel positive can uplift your mood. So, keep your surroundings clean and create a positive space for yourself.

3. Be kind to people

Helping someone in need can make you feel instantly good. Dr Barmi says, “It is one of the fastest ways to get happy. Small gestures like sparing a little time to volunteer at a charity, or even helping an old person to cross the road can make you feel good. You will be surprised to see the wonders!”

4. Stop negative self-talk

Life is not a cakewalk and it’s completely alright! There will ups and downs, no matter what you do. So, you shouldn’t be too harsh on yourself. Dr Barmi says, “Do not begin thinking negative when you’re stuck in a difficult situation because it will make the situation worse and you will be caught in a vicious cycle of negative thinking.”

5. Try celebrating the small things in life

You might think there is no need to celebrate small achievements but doing such things for yourself will help you have a more positive outlook towards life. “You should not wait for major milestones. Did you wake up early? Did you complete your work on time? Life is too short to not celebrate yourself. It is about appreciating small achievements in your day-to-day life,” advises Dr Barmi.

6. Practice positive affirmations

What can be better than starting each day with positive affirmations? Look into the mirror and say positive things about your life, even if you’re in a difficult situation. You will soon be able to experience a difference in your life once you start practising positive affirmations every morning.

7. Identify your negative thoughts

To become a positive person, the first step is to identify negative thoughts and then take the necessary actions to get rid of them. Dr Barmi says, “You cannot change your mindset overnight. So, start by transforming one negative thought into a positive one.”

8. Try to find humour in situations

Someone has rightly said that laughter is the best medicine. It also stands true in the case of positivity. “Try to find humour in every situation, no matter how difficult. Remind yourself that some years down the line, you would be laughing at the situation you are in right now,” says Dr Barmi.

A positive mindset is something that requires development over a long period of time. Work towards it and you’ll see a change in yourself!