How Keeping a Positive Perspective Can Help You to Be Happy
Keeping Your Perspective
Sometimes when things go wrong, it is easy for one to fall into a state of depression. It can be especially challenging, when things go wrong in large numbers, all at the same time, or one event directly after another. These are the times when a person's emotional, mental, and even their physical strength is tested.
Even the person with the ever-positive attitude can lose their perspective. Sometimes it is necessary to see something startling and real to snap that perspective back into place. The scenario below describes a situation where this takes place.
Losing Perspective Scenario
Jim couldn’t seem to do anything right lately. His car needed major repairs, which he didn’t have the money for. He was late in paying his bills. Things were spinning out of control. He hadn’t prepared for this situation and was stressed out all the time. He was worried about having transportation to work and keeping his job. He was worried about how he was going to come up with the money to pay for his car repairs. He was losing his appetite and having restless nights worrying about what to do.
Two weeks had gone by and he was feeling depressed, not seeing any solution to his problems. Jim was on his way home, listening as his car made noises reminding him of the repairs that needed to be done. He pulled into a gas station and got out of the car. That’s when he noticed the truck in front of him. He watched as the man slowly got out of the truck. Jim couldn’t believe his eyes. This man had no legs and one arm. In their place were false legs and an arm made of metal. Jim did not stare, but could see clearly through short glances that this man had to struggle to do everything. Just the simplest movements that Jim took for granted, this man had to take great pains to do. Jim finished getting his gas and solemnly got into his car. As he drove away, something had changed.
The next day, Jim felt a renewed sense of strength. His feelings of depression were still there, but pushed back into his mind, much farther away than they were before. Jim began thinking about what he could do to solve his problems. He had some ideas, and he was going to put them into action. He knew things would only get better, if he kept his perspective.
Making a Plan of Action
It is important when things go wrong and everything seems out of order and chaotic, to make a plan. Think about it and write it down. Make small steps toward completing the goals in your plan. Be prepared for obstacles and keep a positive perspective. Things will get better.
In the scenario above, Jim might have a plan such as the one below:
- Look into trading in the car for another vehicle. See if the options suit your needs.
- Reduce spending until bills are under control.
No eating out for two months.
Cancel gym membership; start working out with friend at home.
Shop for new coat at Goodwill store.
- ·Put some money aside for future emergencies.
Make weekly deposit transfers to savings as is possible.
Tips for Staying Healthy During Stressful Times
· Eat breakfast. Don’t skip breakfast; this is the most important meal of the day.
· Drink plenty of water; stay hydrated. Stay away from large amounts of soda and caffeinated drinks. In large quantities, they have a negative effect on the body.
· Take vitamins. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Keep your immune system strong.
· Get some exercise daily. Take a walk, jog, or ride your bike. Plus, getting outside is rejuvenating. If inside is your only option, do 10 minutes of yoga.
· Talk to friends and loved ones. Keep the lines of communication open.
· Listen to music; sing and dance. Your spirits will be lifted.
· Spend time with friends and family; laugh.
· Get a dog or a cat and enjoy their companionship; they will always be there for you.
· Plan a vacation. It can be a one-day vacation or a whole week. It doesn’t need to cost much to be worthwhile. Most importantly, it should be something you look forward to.
“It's an amazing experience when you focus on the positive things in your life. Things start to change. You become happier. You see things differently. There might still be negative things there, but like an airplane flying overhead, they become the background noise of your mind.”
― Tom Giaquinto, Be A Good Human
