From the Darkest Lows to the Brightest Highs: Positive Outlets when Stressed

Life has a poetic way of throwing curve balls your way when you least expect it.

We all experience the extreme highs of love to the very lows of someone’s passing. Many can stay the middle path emotionally. They get on with their life while others spiral out of control.

What’s their secret?

Nothing special… it’s a matter of using positive outlets and resisting vices during hard times. 

Here’s how they’re able to do it.

Getting into a Positive Mindset

There are better, positive methods to coping with troubles that don’t involve the downward spiral into vices. However, to tap into that strength, one must first overcome any addiction issues such as undergoing alcohol treatment in a professional environment or setting (and committing to) a quit date for smoking.

The earlier you can nip this in the bud, the better. It will greatly reduce the chances of ruining relationships and causing health problems.

Real progress can begin with creating better lifestyle choices once these vices are eliminated. A stable mind and body, as a result of removing vices, can help prevent the wild mood swings that often exacerbate stressful situations.

The Positive Actions of a Positive Person

The “secrets” of positivity are often shrouded in mysticism. There’s a lot of spiritually linked to what people consider a success if consulting a life coach or “guru.” In reality, it’s a matter of controlling your moods and being outgoing. Two things you can learn by practice.

Here are the actions of a positive person worth mirroring:

Meditation

Meditation does not need the spiritual side to find its value.

Meditation allows one to focus on positivity and understanding of their mind and body. This develops self-control, a characteristic that will improve personal relationships, motivation, and productivity.

Do this: Find a quiet place, sit, close your eyes, and focus on a single object in your mind or sound. Be at ease and try to hold this for 5-10 minutes. Breathe deeply. Get up and go about your day.

Socialize

Filling the void by scrolling through your Facebook feed or Instagram posts doesn’t cut it. You need to get up and out of the house. You might experience anxiety but this goes away.

Yes, it’s hard making friends later in life but it’s not impossible. Being around positive people will create a new excitement and lust for life.

Try this: Sign up for a casual sports team or volunteer at a local non-profit, put yourself in new experiences, genuinely listen to others, and speak your mind. Find ways to bring out your passions so you can form a bond and create plans that will keep you busy.

Exercise

The #1 recommendation you’ll get from a friend after a traumatic event… because it works.

Exercising releases feel-good endorphins. Your body may feel sore after a good workout but your mind will be sharp. Often, exercise will give you the focus to wrap yourself in a project – this is a positive outlet versus wallowing in self-pity.

Do this: Get up and go for a walk (it’s that simple).

Meds

Medications for depression can lift us from the darkest depths of our minds.

Slowly you’ll find yourself creating positive routines and relationships. This new-found positivity may create long-term mood stabilization instead of violent swings between the highs and lows.

Do this: Consult with a medical professional or therapist and lay it all out there, follow their guidance, get the meds you need, but also make positive changes on your own to piggyback on the stability.

Taking it Easy (One Step at a Time)

Your ability to control your reactions to the stressful situation is a stoic characteristic worth obtaining. These positive actions develop stability in your mood and lifestyle resulting in fewer instances of unmanageable, stressful moments. Before long, these become a natural reaction to stressful situations.

Positive people still have their lows; they have to take everything in stride just as we do. 

Find what works for you.