This is a very sure happening – no one can stay positive all the time. Another truth is that, even when engulfed with negative feelings, one can still find ways of feeling positive.

Life is full of ups and downs. Most often, we have the feeling that the downs are usually more than the ups. It’s normal, but not true. The thing is that we rarely record our most happy moments because “after all, we are happy”. Our painful moments usually get stuck in our minds because humans are reflective when filled with negative feelings.

When the storm encroaches, stay positive

There are some days I get up with a lot of sunshine in my mind and all of a sudden, the dark clouds start hovering around. In such moments, I feel there will be a thunderstorm because of the storm in me. No, it’s just a feeling. The wind may bring the storm as well as it can blow away the dark clouds making way for the sun to shine again.

Some people can withstand the storm during a crisis. Others are submerged by the storm. I know it is not easy, but then it is said “in every dark cloud, there is a silver lining”. There is always a tiny spark of hope left in you during dark moments. You just need to find how to ignite it into a glowing flame. Below are 5 ways you can use to stay positive during gloomy moments.

1. Checkout the good things that have happened in your life

Most of the times when we are sad, our memory is overwhelmed with similar things that happened in the past. It’s time for you to fight the gloom with happiness. Instead of filling your mind with pre-dark days, why not look for the happy things that had happened to you before? This will ignite your spirit and remind you of what it feels like to be happy.

When ever I feel the dark clouds taking over me, I make a checklist of at least five happy things that recently happened to me. I read through it for a while and I start feeling better.

2. Do something creative

This may not be an easy task because such moments always cloud your mind. You just need to put on a little effort. You can start a new project. All of us have things we would have loved to do given the chance. Maybe this is the time to engage in such. Check out one of such interesting projects and learn more about it.

3. Meet or talk with somebody

Our best friends usually have that knack on us. They know us and can know how to make us happy. That’s why we call them best friends. When you are in such a situation, call your closest friends. They might have just the right prescription for you.

At times you can even find someone new. Someone you don’t even know. You just need the Internet to connect with someone who might be of help or just by taking a walk to the desk of a colleague whom you know can help you out.

4. Watch a funny movie or listen to inspiring music

When I feel gloomy and lack creativity or just want to be alone, I look for a quiet place, put on my earpiece and listen to some good jazz or reggae. Usually, my favourite is “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bob Marley. This knocks my spirit up and keeps me alive again.

If you love watching movies, then a funny movie will put a smile on your face. If you don’t have a funny movie, then don’t worry. Just open YouTube and type ‘funny’ and after watching one or two, you will feel your spirits going back to position ‘normal’.

5. Go shopping. I do this often

When I am down, I go for an impromptu window shopping. Once in a while, we just have to do certain things that we never planned for. In moments of gloom, this may just be what is necessary…Going out shopping without any plan. Just look for something you love, buy it as a treat to yourself. Rampant consumerism can be some sort of mood enhancer. You don’t need to buy something expensive.

Every day is a gift

Every day is a gift. Some gifts are good and some are bad. One sure thing is that you are the one to determine which gift is good or bad. What you do with the bad gift depends on you. You could either keep or turn it into something useful. My choice is usually the latter. It helps you to stay positive.

Necessary read: The Story of Nayella – 5 Things She Did to Stay Positiive

Have a great day and make sure you share this with a friend or family to help them have a positive day also. Don’t hesitate to add to the above list what you do to keep yourself positive in a gloomy day. The comment section is all yours as you enjoy this piece from Bob Marley – Don’t Worry, Be Happy!