9 Proven Ways to be Optimistic and Lead a Happier Life

Do you miss a time in your life when you felt more optimistic and happier? 

If you naturally lean toward negative thinking and find it hard to see the silver lining these days, this post is for you. I’ve been in your shoes and still have challenging days, but it’s absolutely possible to get back to a happier state of mind. I’ll show you how to shift your perspective, embrace optimism, and rediscover the happiness you’ve been longing for.

This journey isn’t for the faint of heart—it definitely requires effort. But with patience, a few effective strategies, consistency, and an honest audit of your life, you’ll start to see that the glass really is half-full!

Your brain is a muscle—it can be trained and rewired to think more positively. So, let’s dive in and get started…

9 Proven Ways to be Optimistic and Lead a Happier Life

1. Do More of What You Love

The only reason you might miss optimism and happiness is because you’ve experienced them before. So, think back—what were you doing during that time in your life? Why were you happy? Did you play sports, spend time with friends, or exercise? Did you have more free time or feel less stressed?

Having hobbies naturally lowers stress levels, so it’s important to reconnect with the activities that once made you happy.

Start by making a list:

• What were you doing when you felt happiest?
• What can you do to bring those activities back into your life?
• What can you give up to make room for them?

For example, could you simplify meal prep by skipping big family dinners a couple of times a week and opting for something quick, like eggs and toast? Maybe you could clean less often—switch to a deep clean once a month and do smaller, manageable tasks in between.

The point is: you need to create space in your life for the things that truly make you happy. If you don’t, you may never get back to the joy and optimism you once had.

2. Stop Speaking Negatively to Yourself

This should be a priority for you. By changing the way you speak to yourself, you can transform your attitude and, ultimately, your entire life.

Our brain recognizes negative thoughts and emotions, triggering the release of stress hormones. However, the amazing thing is that you can rewire your brain to think more positively. It’s not easy—it requires consistent effort—but it’s absolutely possible. That’s why choosing your words carefully is so important.

Start by becoming aware of every time you say something mean or negative to yourself. Notice when it happens, why it happens, and catch yourself in the moment. Then, reframe those thoughts into something positive. For example, instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” try saying, “I’ll give it my best shot.” For more check out… 7 Practical Steps to Stop Negative Self-Talk and Build Unshakable Confidence

I’ve also found that pairing this practice with positive affirmations can make a world of difference. Negative self-talk and positive affirmations go hand-in-hand—they balance each other and help you create a healthier mindset.

3. Challenge Those Negative Thoughts with Positive Affirmations

By using positive affirmations to challenge negative thoughts, you reinforce a positive mindset that can transform your outlook on life.

Start by making a list of three daily affirmations that feel meaningful to you. Repeat these empowering statements until they truly resonate. Just remember to keep them personal—if they don’t reflect your unique journey, they may not feel genuine.

If you’re struggling to come up with affirmations, here are three to inspire you:

• “I choose to focus on the good in every situation, knowing brighter days are ahead.”
• “Each challenge I face is an opportunity to grow, and I welcome it with positivity.”
• “My thoughts create my reality, and I am creating a life filled with hope and joy.”

For more, check out 20 Powerful Daily Affirmations For Positive Thinking and 31 Meaningful Affirmations to Help Inspire Happiness and Your Authentic Self 

Pick a specific time of day to repeat your affirmations—whether it’s in the morning to set the tone or before bed to end on a positive note. To remind yourself, place sticky notes around your home or update your phone’s lock screen with these affirmations. Visualize their meaning and allow them to evolve as you grow.

Did you know? Studies show that when you combine affirmations with visualization, your brain activates the same areas as if the event is truly happening, making the practice even more powerful.

Personally, I’ve found that the more I write about wellness, the more I feel blessed every day. Believe me, you can develop a positive, happy mind and outlook. Your brain is a muscle, and like any muscle, it’s strong enough to grow and adapt with practice.

4. Learn to Laugh More

Laughing more is completely a conscious decision—it’s something you need to practice. At first, it may feel a little awkward, but trust me, the more you do it, the more natural it will become. Start by smiling more often. Set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to smile throughout the day. Even when you’re alone. YES, it may seem weird when you’re alone, but smiling increases dopamine levels and actually boosts your mood whether you’re in a group or alone! So, just do it!  

I came across a hilarious video on TikTok where a woman starts laughing by herself on camera. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect at first, was she a little crazy…? Anyway, it turned out to be the perfect way to get a good laugh! Huge thanks to Linda Leclerc for her funny video! Watch it here.

Remind yourself that it’s okay to be goofy and laugh at yourself more often. When something goes wrong in life, notice when you’re slipping into negative thinking. Instead of spiraling, try embracing your imperfections and the “stuff that happens,” finding humor in your experiences. This not only lightens your mood but can also relieve stress.

If you’re having a tough day, take a break and watch some funny YouTube or TikTok videos, viral clips, or animal antics for an instant pick-me-up.

You can also follow some funny blogs, read comic books, or try games and outdoor sports—these activities naturally lead to laughter and fun!

5. Stop Trying to Control Every Situation

Start to shift your focus to what you can control in every situation. This mindset will help you regain a sense of empowerment and balance in your life.

Start by making a list of things within your control so you’re prepared when these situations pop up in your life. For example, you have control over your actions, reactions, and decisions. On the other hand, things like other people’s actions or the outcomes of certain situations are beyond your control.

I take control of every situation I can in my life, for example… I personally like to take my breaks at work in different places, depending on who’s working. I can’t control who my boss hires, but I can take charge of the situation by protecting my energy. By doing this, I’m able to maintain my optimism and be the best, happiest version of myself both at work and after hours.

6. Surround Your Life with Positivity

Think outside the box.

Consider your social media feeds—what are you saving and consuming on there? Are you scrolling through negative news or falling down the rabbit hole of doom-scrolling for hours?

Instead, focus on the positive! Follow accounts that share funny memes, viral videos, inspiration, and motivation. Fill your feeds with content that brings joy and laughter.

Here’s a few that I personally follow on FB… Positive Thoughts – Life Quotes – Life Motivation – Running State (on my personal page).

You can also bring positivity into your physical space. Put up a few of your favorite photos in your living area that make you feel good. Consider creating a vision board for your phone using Canva, or make a thumbtack board with cut-out pictures and words that represent positivity in your life. Hang it in your room to keep those good vibes flowing.

Even small things like hanging a funny air freshener in your car or adding a quirky steering wheel cover can give you a little laugh each morning before work.

Surrounding yourself with positivity will make a noticeable difference in your outlook and attitude.

7. Choose to be Around Positive People

It’s something we all know—spending time with positive people who uplift and inspire you can truly transform your attitude and outlook on life.

As you choose the people you spend your time with, pay attention to how you feel around them. Do they inspire you? Do they uplift your mood and make you feel better when you’re around them? These are the types of people you need to surround yourself with more often. Attitudes are contagious, and the right company can influence your mindset in powerful ways.

Take a moment to evaluate the people in your life, including your social media connections. Are they triggering insecurities or causing you to feel negatively about yourself? Conduct an audit of the people around you and don’t be afraid to press “delete” on those who bring you down.

Of course, it’s not always possible to be surrounded by positive people, especially in our work environments. But you can protect your energy. Like I said before, take your breaks away from negative people, in particular, who can be draining. Evaluate the situations you find yourself in and make deliberate choices to protect your well-being, to make sure you don’t get caught in a cycle of negativity. 

Here’s a good practice to incorporate: when you get home after a long day, it’s easy to vent about work and the challenges you faced. But try setting a five-minute limit for these conversations with your partner or spouse. My husband and I have been doing this for over a year, and after five minutes, we change the subject completely. I never imagined it would have such a positive impact on our lives, but it’s something I highly recommend.

8. Take Care of Yourself: Diet, Sleep, and Exercise

The three pillars—diet, sleep, and physical activity—should be your non-negotiables for a happier and healthier life.

If you’re feeling down, your body might be craving the proper nutrients to boost serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin plays a crucial role in making you feel happy, focused, calm, and emotionally stable. Consider incorporating these nutrient-packed foods into your diet: avocados, salmon, leafy greens, dark chocolate, yogurt, bone broth, green apples, walnuts, matcha, and berries.

Sleep is just as essential. It’s vital for physical recovery, hormone balance, mood stability, and cognitive functions. Without enough sleep, you may feel like a zombie—emotionally detached or irritable, just going through the motions. That’s no way to live! Prioritize quality rest to rejuvenate your body and mind.

And let’s not forget exercise. While it might leave you feeling tired at first, sticking to a regular workout routine will eventually boost your energy levels and help you power through your days with less fatigue. Exercise releases endorphins, which elevate your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance overall well-being. Plus, it strengthens your heart, muscles, and bones while lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

By focusing on these foundational aspects of self-care, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your mood, energy, and outlook on life.

9. Practice Gratitude

Make gratitude a regular habit by taking time to reflect on the blessings in your life. There are countless things to appreciate in our daily lives, and it’s easy to incorporate gratitude into everyday activities.

While cooking, cleaning, or even taking a shower, bring your mind to the present moment and think about what you’re grateful for. Do you have loving family and friends? Safe drinking water? A secure home that provides peace and comfort?

Health is another significant blessing often overlooked. When we’re not facing immediate health concerns, it’s easy to take good health for granted. If you’re healthy, pause and be thankful—it’s truly a gift.

Here are some simple ways to practice gratitude:

• Gratitude Journal: Dedicate a few minutes each day to jot down what you’re thankful for. A great time to do this could be in the morning while brushing your teeth—think of three things you’re grateful for to start your day positively.

• Gratitude Jar: Create a family tradition by writing things you’re grateful for on slips of paper and adding them to a jar. Each night at dinner, pull out one slip and share it with everyone. Use this as a moment to expand on why it’s meaningful.

• Bedtime Reflection: Before going to sleep, take a moment to think about the blessings in your life as you relax into bed.

• Gratitude Walk: Spend time in nature, appreciating the light, the trees, and the beauty around you. A peaceful trail walk can be rejuvenating, especially when the sun warms your face and reminds you of the simple joys of life.

• Gratitude Challenge: Shift your focus from what you don’t have to what you truly appreciate with this 30 Day Gratitude Challenge to Transform Your Life this November

Incorporating gratitude into your routine will help shift your perspective and improve your outlook, leaving you feeling more positive and connected.

cover photo by Snapwire on Pexels.