Why it so hard to stay positive

Negativity bias is a psychological phenomenon that causes us to focus more on the negative aspects of a situation than the positive. It can be helpful at times, as it helps us to stay alert to potential danger. It helps us avoid making the same mistakes over and over. However, if it is not managed it can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Luckily, there are ways to train your brain to find the positive moments, no matter how small, and to view life in a more balanced way.

One way to train your brain to find the positive moments is to practice gratitude. Gratitude can be practiced in many ways, such as writing in a gratitude journal, sending thank-you notes, or reflecting on the things that you are thankful for. By reminding yourself of the things you have to be grateful for, you can shift your focus away from the negative and towards the positive.

Research shows that people who practice gratitude are more likely to be happier and to experience more positive emotions.

Another way to train your brain to focus on the positive is to be mindful. Mindfulness involves being aware of the present moment and allowing yourself to accept it without judgment. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as help to keep your focus on the present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Practicing mindfulness can also help to reduce the negative effects of negativity bias, as it allows you to accept emotions, both positive and negative, without judgment.

Finally, another way to train your brain to find the positive moments is to practice positive affirmations. Positive affirmations involve repeating simple, positive statements to yourself, such as “I am capable” or “I am worthy.” These affirmations can help to replace negative thoughts with positive ones and can be used as a tool to reduce stress and anxiety.

Negativity bias can make it difficult to focus on the positive moments in life, but there are ways to train your brain to do so. By practicing gratitude, being mindful, and repeating positive affirmations, you can reduce the effects of negativity bias and learn to find the positive in any situation. As always, I hope this helps you understand why it makes sense to befriend your brain and sometimes override it!

Xo,

Sarah