Harnessing Positivity in Difficult Times
- Carrie Cannon
- Sep 13
- 2 min read
Life doesn’t always go the way we plan. Stress, loss, health struggles, or unexpected changes can shake us to the core. In those moments, it’s easy to get caught up in negative thinking, fear, or hopelessness. Our brains are wired to focus on threats—it’s part of our survival system. But if we stay there too long, it can wear us down, leaving us anxious, depressed, and exhausted.
Here’s the truth: while we can’t always control our circumstances, we can influence how we respond. And one of the most powerful tools we have is positivity.
Why Positivity Matters
Positivity isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about training your mind to balance the struggles with hope, perspective, and resilience. Research shows that practicing positivity:
Lowers stress hormones and helps calm the nervous system.
Boosts mental health, reducing anxiety and depression.
Strengthens resilience, making it easier to bounce back from hard times.
Improves physical health by supporting sleep, heart health, and immunity.
How to Harness Positivity
1. Shift Your Perspective
Instead of asking “Why is this happening to me?”, try asking “What can I learn from this?” Reframing challenges helps you see growth opportunities even in difficult situations.
2. Practice Gratitude
Taking a few minutes to write down three things you’re grateful for each day rewires the brain to notice what’s good, not just what’s hard.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Progress is powerful. Did you walk for 10 minutes today? Did you make one healthier choice? Those little steps add up and remind you that you’re moving forward.
4. Be Kind to Yourself
Self-compassion means speaking to yourself the way you’d talk to a close friend. Instead of “I should be stronger,” try, “I’m doing the best I can right now.”
5. Lean on Mind-Body Tools
Breathing exercises, mindfulness, or gentle movement like walking or stretching can calm the nervous system and give your mind a reset.
6. Stay Connected
Share how you’re feeling with someone you trust. And if you’re able, find ways to give to others—kindness has a way of lifting your own spirit too.
Try This: The “Thought Shift”
When a negative thought shows up, pause and ask yourself:
Is this thought absolutely true?
Is it helping me or hurting me?
What’s a more balanced thought I could try instead?
Example:
Negative: “I’ll never get better.”
Shifted: “Healing takes time, and I’m taking steps forward every day.”
Final Thoughts
Harnessing positivity isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about balancing it with hope and resilience. Every small shift in your mindset creates new pathways in the brain, making it easier to face life’s storms with strength and clarity.
So next time you feel overwhelmed, remember: positivity is not about denying the struggle—it’s about reminding yourself that you have the power to rise through it.
