That word. Negativity.

It comes in many forms, even disguised in sheep’s clothing (as my Granny would say). Complaining about what’s not going right at work, in your love life, or with your finances is normal, and maybe even cathartic, but only to a certain point. When it becomes constant and repetitive so much so that the people around you feel compelled, perhaps out of guilt, to step in and fix your issues for you, that’s a clear signal that you just need to STOP!

Let’s face it: nothing good comes from being negative. It can cause you additional stress which culminates in physical and mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, even suicide.

Plus, constant complaining does nothing to get you out of the situation you are unhappy about. Chances are: that flat tyre, that boss breathing down your neck to meet your deadline, or that babysitter not being able to stay late on the one day that you wanted to have date night are still going to be there whether you whine about it or not.

The choice is yours: are you going to be the type of person who complains all the time and never gets anywhere in life, or the type that allow issues to roll off their back like water and keep stepping?

At some point, your perspective on life has to change and here are a few steps to help you accomplish it:

1. Be positive

The first way to combat any issue is to feed it with the opposite. Change the way you think. This is how you regain balance. Wake up in the morning and say to yourself: “ I am going to have a good day!” After that, be confident that no one can take that away from you. Once you have claimed it, it will be so. Continue to maintain a positive vibe even if the taxi man just cut you off in traffic or if coffee spills on your pants on the one day you decided to look extra cute. Make light of the situation and just keep smiling.

2. Rid yourself of negative people

Ever heard that saying “Birds of a feather flock together”? Well, it isn’t a lie. Once your perspective has changed and you have this positivity thing going, take notice of the people you have been hanging around you. You will begin to realise how much negativity was seeping into your life without you even noticing. Choose the people you spend the most time with wisely. Associate with people who are just naturally happy, who love to inspire and who are all for positivity.

3. Engage in uplifting activities

Instead of staying at home and claiming that your life is the way it is because of “crosses”, engage in things that will make you happy. Go to the gym. Working out can boost your self-esteem, it will help with the way we feel or think of ourselves. Cook a new dish. Go to that party you have been meaning to go to every time it comes around.  Make that spontaneous country run. Chat with the locals and feel good that you did something out of the ordinary. At least once a month you should ask yourself: “When was the last time I did something for the first time?” If you can’t remember then you need to proactively take control of your “positivity” intake.

4. Meditate

Many people don’t fully understand the concept of meditation but it’s pretty simple. You don’t need to become a monk and shave your head to engage. Mediation can happen when you are still lying in bed or while you are having your morning coffee. Take some time to put deep thought into what you want out of life, or remind yourself why you wake up every morning. Maybe, take some time to think about a loved one who you want to do something special for. At the end of the day, just remember to not slip into those deep dark thoughts, but to focus on the positive ones. The ones that can uplift your day and make you a better you!

Be balanced!

Christina is a writer and photographer who holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology. She believes the simple truths and nuances of life stare us right in the face but we just need someone to help us see them. Her intent is to bring that insight in your life and create balance. Tell her what you think in the comments below.