Teenpessimismpositive thinkingpositivity

Positive Thinking Tips: 10 Ways To Overcome Negativity And Become More Optimistic

10 Ways To Overcome Negative Thoughts
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By 

Senior Writer, The Huffington Post

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It's tough to argue against the power of positive thinking. A multitude of studies, data and anecdotal evidence supports the notion that optimists experience less stress, stronger immune systems and overall better health than their Debby Downer counterparts. But it's not always easy to look on the bright side -- in our overbooked and over-connected lives, getting caught up in a cycle of worry, anxiety and negative thoughts is a norm in many of our lives.

One of the many wonderful things about positive thinking is that anyone can acquire it with a little motivation and a sense of humor (and perhaps a daily scroll through posts tagged "positivity" on Tumblr). Click through the slideshow below for 10 tried-and-true tips on busting negativity and taking control over your own happiness.

Tell us: Do you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist? What's your trick to staying positive? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tweet @HuffPostTeen!

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Before You Go

10 Ways To Become A Positive Thinker
Practice Gratitude(01 of10)
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Remembering all the good things that you have makes it a whole lot easier not to focus on what you don't have. Being thankful and appreciating the abundance in your life -- rather than dwelling on what feels lacking -- is rule #1 for shifting your thinking from negative to positive. (credit:Flickr: Sarairachel)
Surround Yourself With Supportive People (02 of10)
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Once you've minimized your interaction with the negative Nancies in your life, creating an inner circle filled with support and encouragement is the next step. Having people around who see the best in you will help you see the best in yourself. (credit:shutterstock)
Ditch The Drama(03 of10)
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Break up with your toxic friends and say goodbye to the boyfriend or girlfriend who brings you down. Minimizing negative energy in your environment is a prerequisite to overcoming negativity in your thinking. (credit:shutterstock)
Take Responsibility (04 of10)
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The easiest way to fall into the negativity trap is by making yourself a victim. But on the flipside, to take responsibility for your own actions is to take charge of your own happiness. Remind yourself daily that although we may not be able to control what happens to us, we are always in charge of our reactions. (credit:Tumblr: finding-ed-recovery)
Turn Your 'Can't's Into 'Can's(05 of10)
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This one may take practice, but it really works. Changing your sentence structure from negative to positive (From "Why do I always get bad grades on chem exams?" to "It might not have been what I hoped, but I know my next grade will be better") is key to shifting your perceptions from can't to can. Make a concerted effort to see challenges as opportunities, and watch as doors open where there were none before. (credit:alamy)
Be Kind(06 of10)
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Getting into the habit of being kind and forgiving to others will help you extend the same courtesy to yourself. And when you're a friend to yourself, it's a whole lot easier to forgive yourself for your mistakes and cultivate a positive outlook for your future. And if you believe in karma, well, what goes around comes around. (credit:Tumblr: jesusisreturningsoon)
Find The Silver Lining (07 of10)
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Events and situations aren't inherently good or bad -- we just project those descriptions onto them. This means that we have a great deal of power over how we choose to view whatever comes our way -- deciding to focus on the positive is a powerful way to take charge in your life. (credit:shuttetstock)
Slow Down(08 of10)
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Signing up for a weekly yoga class or committing to 10 minutes of mediation before bed each night can go a long way in helping you slow down your mind so that you can observe and recognize your thought patterns. Even just talking a walk in nature or reminding yourself to breathe deeply can help reset your brain and clear out unnecessary worries. (credit:alamy)
Set Your Own Standards(09 of10)
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Becoming the captain of your own ship is a must in developing a positive outlook. Instead of worrying what other people think of you and trying to live up the their standards, decide for yourself who you want to be and what you want to accomplish. Following your own path will give you a boost of confidence and self-esteem that makes the future -- and the present -- seem brighter. (credit:Tumblr: thebr0s)
Remember to Laugh(10 of10)
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Laughing at yourself, seeking out opportunities to play and enjoy humor, and making others laugh can go a long way in creating an optimistic mindset. Laughter relieves stress and reminds you not to take life so seriously. (credit:aplaceforart.tumblr.com)
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