7 positivity practices for skeptics

There’s been a lot of talk about “practicing positivity”—and not all of it is coming from the mountain top. The Happiness Project, Daily Love, and Positively Positive have all become happy-making phenoms. And in fitness, classes like IntenSati and Circuit of Change, instructors point out that “Whatever we focus on, becomes our reality.” And, hey, if that’s true, they might as well be happy thoughts.

So we tapped several (super sophisticated) spiritual seekers for simple practices that even busy skeptics can use to get positive. —Carla Vass and Melisse Gelula

Keep reading for seven positivity practices that even work for skeptics.

Focus on positive words

Brian Delmonico, champion gymnast, Ironman triathlete, yogi, and founder of mind-body boot camp Circuit of Change

Whatever we focus on becomes our reality. When we work on our internal life by reciting positive words, our energies and outlook benefits. I find it super helpful to create an “I am” list, and put it somewhere visible—tacked up on your mirror?—and recite it daily. It could be something like this:

I am happyI am gratefulI am capableI am understandingI am full of LOVE

Fantasize

Dr. Susan Lord, former associate director for Medical Education and director of Nutrition Programs at the Center for Mind-Body Medicine

Cutting-edge neuroscience teaches us that thinking stressful, negative thoughts can actually overdevelop the primitive “fight or flee” part of the brain. However, when we think positive, optimistic thoughts, we go into relaxation mode, which develops the prefrontal cortex where we do our most creative, life-fulfilling thinking. If you keep your brain in relaxation mode, you will habitually revert to a positive way of thinking.

Take a few minutes everyday to fantasize about something that makes you happy or laugh or that you’re grateful for. Imagine yourself as you want to be. Get lost in the daydream. Habitual negative thoughts tend to close doors, while positive thoughts open doors to a life of possibility.

Devote your workout to someone

Lori Abeles, SoulCycle instructor, mind-clearer, joy-seeker

Something that I try to implement in my class is spending time (a ride or even a whole week of rides) devoting the practice to someone else in your world who is in need of your positive energy and focus and light.

We all can think of someone struggling with something greater that our own worries. If you surrender the gift of your focus, care, love, heart, soul to the needs of another, the gifts to self are immeasurable. It’s the most uplifting win-win situation.

Remember your purpose

Rupa Mehta, founder of the Nalini Method, author of Connect to Your One, philanthropist

It can be tough to stay positive when growing a business. Sometimes my business feels like an expensive hobby, while other times I feel like an unstoppable Olympic athlete.

Between all the highs and lows, I think it’s necessary to be able to come back to a constant that can keep you positive during tough moments and can humble you during very successful moments.

That constant for me is having a clear personal and professional vision that I am committed to. My vision helps keep me on track. I suggest writing your personal and professional vision down, having it easily accessible and making it part of your weekly routine to read.

Practice random acts of kindness

Gabrielle Bernstein, motivational speaker and bestselling author of Add More ~ing to Your Life: A Hip Guide to Happiness and Spirit Junkie

Practice random acts of kindness. Buy someone a coffee, hold the door for a stranger, send an anonymous love letter to a friend. You’ll feel energized by your own kindness.

Dance your ass off: Dancing is one of the best ways to shift your energy and get out of a bad mood. Turn on a hot Spotify mix and jam out in your bedroom. Close your eyes and dance your ass off. Don’t worry, no one is watching.

Pick a positive mantra you can always come back to

Dr. Jeffrey Morrison, integrative physician, founder of The Morrison Center, author of Cleanse Your Body, Clear Your Mind

Try Ho’oponopono! This mouthful of a name for a Hawaiian meditative practice translates loosely as a phrase that you can repeat any time you have negative thoughts or are feeling depressed or anxious.

Pick a positive phrase and repeat it as many times as desired. It could be something as simple as “I love you.” This tiny shift will cause mood to improve and, over time, will attract new, positive people or outcomes. Like attracts like.

Slow down

Maggie Lyon, wellness and spirituality writer and holistic lifestyle consultant

Stop whatever you’re doing and sit quietly. Drop out of your frantic head by taking a conscious breath and with the exhale release any tension or crazy angst you are holding. Feel your feet planted firmly on the ground.

If you are about to eat, slow down and do it with full focus! Really experience yourself. If you are about to write an email, do it with the same complete awareness. By giving yourself fully to the moment, stress is instantaneously cleared from your system.

Seriously, try it. It takes like two minutes to make this shift into mindfulness, and it can profoundly change how you feel.

Want to try your hand at meditating but don’t know where to start? These apps will help. And if you want some inspiration for coming up with your own personal positive mantra, these 10 from top SoulCycle instructors are a great guide.