While negative situation makes us believe that we are in a dead-end situation, there is always a window of hope that can help us see the situation from a different angle. You can start by asking yourself some helpful questions about the opportunities or the good things that can be present in these situations. Sometimes you need a little bit of time at first to understand the situation you are in, but make sure that you do not allow yourself to be soaked with negativity that you forget to find the positive aspects.

When you adopt a negative way of addressing yourself, known as well as negative self-talk, you drift away from reality. The more you say negative things to yourself the more power you give these thoughts, and the more you believe them. Therefore it is important to differentiate between which of these thoughts are fiction and which are fact. When you pinpoint the facts make sure that you try your best to fix them.

Every night for one week or more, make sure that you write a few items on a list that you call “things that make me happy.” After you’ve filled this list with enough items, write them on sticky notes, and spread these notes around your room or your private area. This will help you remember something that made you happy every time you look around. The memories of these things will bring the happiness you felt back then to you.

In other words, learn how to practice gratitude. Taking the time to contemplate the things that make you grateful can reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, by 23%. Some researchers have found that those who adopt an attitude of gratitude have the ability to improve their moods and energy and feel less anxious because of the low cortisol levels. You can do so by taking few minutes every day, maybe before sleeping, to think of the beautiful and positive things in your life. Every time you have negative thoughts, try to think of these positive aspects of your life. What are some ways you usually use to stay positive?