The Battle Against Negativity

We've all been there. You know it. "God, school sucks! I hate my life." "Uhhh I'm working 3 days in a row! Why does this always happen to me?" or even "I missed the Drake tickets again this time! I hate everything!" Don't worry. It's not you. It's everyone. Our society is becoming chronically negative. 

I had to write this post now because just like you guys, I suffer from chronic negativeness too. Lately I've found myself cursing my existence (and everyone in it) due to problems that occur naturally in life. What are my triggers? Let's see...

• School
• Work
• My parents
• Money
• My siblings
• School
• Work
• My parents
• School again
• Did I mention work?

I'd like to ask you all a question. When we are complaining about our jobs, our relationships, our family, our homework or whatever else there is....do we ever stop and think...Shit. What am I doing? I'm complaining that I have to get up and go to work every day where I make MONEY to pay my BILLS to afford my HOUSE to support my FAMILY to spend on my PLEASURE to put towards my HEALTH CARE and the list goes on and on. Let's go back to my first point. MONEY! You go to work to make MONEY! Majority of the world does not see the amount of money that most of us in the West make in a single day. Do you realize how lucky we are? My second point - to pay my BILLS. Bills may not seem like a blessing but when you realize the things you are paying for (water, electricity, phones, internet, hydro) are not even offered or available to some people, you, well, you shut up. *snapping my fingers* Third point- afford my HOUSE. You have a house, damn it! You could have been a bum, sitting on the side of the road, begging like the others. But you are not. You have a house to go home to. You have a roof over your head. End of discussion. I can go on and on, but you do get the point here right? In yo face!

We are a chronically negative and depressed society and it makes absolutely no sense. Yet, we are all guilty of it. Could it mean that we are actually chronically spoiled as opposed to negative? That would make a whole lot more sense. 

My point here is to offer tips on how to deal with the negativity in your life. It does not necessarily mean the negativity comes only from you. It can be a family member or partner or friend. Here are my tips on how to deal with this new epidemic (as I like to call it).

1. Instead of focusing on the negative, focus on the positive. Have you heard that saying, instead of bashing what you hate, promote what you love? The next time life gets you down, focus on all of the good things in life instead of the bad. In my case - Uhh I effin hate school! - whereas, I could be thinking, School really sucks but I cannot wait for the exciting career opportunities that will lie ahead of me when I graduate!

2. Meditate. Do not scoff at me. It works! Meditation is a natural stress reliever and is good for the soul. It is known to improve our creative thinking, our energy, our success and decrease our stress levels. Start off with meditating for one minute each day, gradually increasing a minute as you go. You will thank me brother. You will thank me!

3. Let go of Expectations. Oh man, this one is a killer and is also the biggest cause of negativity. Let go of expectations! We are disappointed the most when we expect more. Stop expecting and just enjoy what you receive. When we hold on to expectations, the only one that loses is you. 

4. Keep a thought journal. This may sound corny, but it is very helpful. Jot down your emotions for each day. At the end of the week, review your journal and see if you can see a pattern. Is there a certain person or place that triggers your negative emotions?

5. Diet and Exercise. Your emotions could just be a reaction to the food you are eating. Remember, you are what you eat. Certain foods may trigger negative thinking. Be mindful of what you put in your mouth! Eat your fruits and vegetables, your whole grains and lean proteins and feel yourself heal. Exercise, as we all know, is a great mood booster. Next time you want to punch a wall, go for a run instead. You will not regret that endorphin rush.

6. Smile. Lastly, remember to smile every day. Even if you are not in the mood, just do it. Studies have shown that a smile itself is enough to boost your mood. The smile does not even have to come from you. This may sound funny, but practice it with yourself. Smile to yourself a few times a day. It works.

I hope you guys have enjoyed this post! Let us kick negativity to the curb and embrace what our spoiled western life style offers us.

Cheers.

Inform2Inspire