If you’re sick of New Year’s resolutions like “get a six pack” or “cut caffeine out of my life” this positivity challenge might be for you. It’s an emotional reset. A simple way to help leave 2017 behind and start 2018 off right. Plus, these tips are super simple and can be implemented whenever you’re feeling a little grumpy or negative. A more positive you is only seven days away so let’s get started!

Day 1 - Acknowledgement

We tend to be hard on ourselves. We only see the negatives and find it hard to see what we’ve done right. Worse yet, we can sometimes turn to others to affirm us and tell us what they think we’ve done right. So to start on the road to a more positive you, write down or think up 3 things you’ve done in the past year that were right or good. Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how big or small.

Day 2 - Thankfulness

Take today to think of 5 things in your life that you are thankful for. We get consumed in how we wish things would go or what’s gone wrong. That’s negative thinking so this simple exercise trains you to shift your thinking to be more positive. Five things you’re thankful for… Go!

Day 3 - Complaining

This one can be difficult. Go one whole entire day without complaining. You’ll realize how much you complain after today. Complaining leaves you wallowing in the negativity. This isn’t to say there aren’t things to complain about. But complaining doesn’t do anything to fix it except allow you be negative. So for this positivity challenge, go a whole day without complaining. It’ll shift your perspective going forward. If it doesn’t, you can complain about this tomorrow.

Day 4 - Be Active

Take 30 minutes and get some activity in. Hit the gym, go to yoga, walk the dog… Whatever it is, get up and get active. The list of scientific benefits that physical activity has on our brain and overall mindset is long, but here’s what you need to know. When you’re active, your brain releases endorphins which give you a “euphoric” feeling which helps reduce stress and boost your self esteem. Get up, get active!

Day 5 - Smile

Have you ever realized how hard it is not to smile back at someone who is smiling at you? Smiling is infectious. Plus, smiling has been shown to decrease your own anxiety and lower blood pressure. It can improve your overall mood and even lead to a longer life. So get out there and show those pearly whites to the world. Share that smile with everyone you meet today.

Day 6 - Gratitude

Acknowledging the good in people is just as good for you as it is for them. Find someone you care about and express gratitude towards them. It could be something large that you’ve never addressed. Or it could be something as simple as thanking your coworker for a kind deed. Whatever it may be, take today to show some kindness towards someone else. It’ll make their day, and yours.

Day 7 - Me Time

Me time is so important for your overall mindset. If you aren’t your best self, how can you be expected to be what others need you to be. Take 30 minutes today to do something that’s just for you. Soak in a hot bath. Blast music and take a drive. Whatever it is that makes you happy, do something for yourself. You’ll be surprised at how refreshing it can be.

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