One of the biggest signs of positive mental health is how you cope with the normal ups and downs of life. No matter how hard we may try, there will always be good times, better times, and difficult times. Having balanced expectations about this normal ebb and flow of life will tremendously help with coping when the difficult times approach, as well as rejoice in the good times. Like the seasons of our Earth, we too can have seasons. When we have a positive outlook on life, we can reflect back the attitude that we project outward. How we perceive things makes a tremendous different, like how that old saying goes whether we see the glass as half empty or half full. Sometimes due to past traumas, it would be in the best interest to obtain counseling.
Positive outlook towards the future | Happy |
Kind towards others | Can think through before acting |
Aware of consequences | Ability to cope with difficult situations |
Ability to enjoy the moment | Adaptable |
Curious | Feeling in control of actions |
Responsible | Ability to have critical thinking |
Reactive | Angry |
Physical Sickness | Crying more than normal |
Blaming others | Excessive worrying |
Destructive behaviors | Drug addiction |
Excessive drinking | Excessive eating or smoking |
Picking fights | Excessively prideful |
Cruelty to animals | Nausea/changes to appetite |
Stomach ulcers | Mood changes |
Sleep disruptions/insomnia | Panic attacks |
Anxiety | Withdrawing from friends |
Isolating | Obsessive thinking |
Inability to do normal tasks | Difficulty coping |
Improve diet | Start with small steps towards a goal |
Seek counseling or a trusted advisor | Spend time outside in nature |
Seek connection with a Higher Source/God | Let go of things that are cluttering your life, both time and possessions |
Reduce caffeine intake | Take a small, local trip |
Connect with animals | Read self help books/watch videos |
Try something new | Clean out some space in your home |
Open the blinds and windows to let in fresh air and sunlight | Stand barefoot on grass |
Meditate or prayer | Breathe deeply |
Set boundaries | Listen to relaxing music |