让你更加乐观的9个方法

Though you may think that vigilantly keeping up with the latest events is simply informing you, it may also be bringing you down. "The more we immerse ourselves in doom-and-gloom sermons, the more we succumb to their energy," says Sheppard. "Trade in the things that raise your fear and frustration for alternatives that elevate your hopefulness and inspiration."

6. Counter every negative with a positive. 不顺的时候多想想生活中的好时光

Every time you stumble upon a roadblock, challenge yourself to think of something good that's happening as well. "People tend to think in an either-or way: If you're stuck in traffic, then everything else must be going horribly too," says Anne Parker, a wellness counselor at Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona. By blowing negative events out of proportion, you're setting yourself up for feeling down all day. "Instead, acknowledge that you're stuck in traffic, but also bring to mind something good, like the beautiful scenery outside the window, the interesting radio show you’re listening to or a hug from your child that morning." That way, you'll get in the habit of forbidding negative circumstances from blanketing your whole day, and you'll learn to see them as just one small part of an otherwise good day.

7. Focus on small goals instead of big ones. 多为自己制定一些易实现的短期目标，努力实现它们

Pledging to lose 20 pounds or run a marathon seem like goals that will lead to happiness, except that people have a tendency to beat themselves up if they struggle to obtain them. "It's our natural tendency to focus on what we haven't accomplished instead of what we have," says Parker. Major life goals take time to achieve, so by focusing on not having accomplished them yet, you will start to feel down on yourself-and may even end up throwing in the towel, causing your outlook on life to worsen. However, if you focus on the small milestones that occur along the way, you will feel positive about your progress, which will give you the momentum to keep going. "If your goal is to lose 20 pounds, know that you have to do it one pound at a time. Instead of beating yourself up for still being overweight, despite weeks of dieting and exercise, congratulate yourself for dropping three pounds."

8. Help someone in need. 帮助需要帮助的人

Want to give your attitude a boost? Try making someone else's day better. A report by UnitedHealthcare and VolunteerMatch found that volunteers are 72% more likely to characterize themselves as optimistic compared with non-volunteers. Plus, 89% of volunteers say that volunteering has improved their sense of well-being, and 92% say that it enriches their sense of purpose in life. Find a way to give back near you by visiting VolunteerMatch.org or the Volunteers of America website.

9. Decide to be happy every day. 下定决心开心度过每一天

Many of us don't think about needing to have a positive outlook when things are going well—it's only when we're stressed out or in a foul mood that we wish we could press the "optimism button." But, according to Dr. Brown, the ideal moment to make a conscious decision to be happy is at the start of your day. "Each morning, while you're still in bed, say and repeat statements like, 'This is going to be a good day' or 'I’m looking forward to this day because…' The best time to do this is when you're relaxed and your mind is unencumbered by concerns or anxiety." By beginning your morning on the right foot, you can program your mind to be more optimistic all day long.