I’m so glad you’re here for these tips because wanting to live a more positive life is something we all deserve.
For me, the desire to be more positive became really strong after having my third child. I kept asking myself:
How can I make the most out of life?
How can I enjoy the family I’ve been blessed with?
How can I be more present instead of just going through the motions?
Without a doubt, parenthood and life in general really does test your patience. So much so that you find yourself in a cycle of stress, burnout and constant comparison.
Luckily there are lots of different things to try to break the stress cycle and become a more positive person.
So if you want to be the person who is slow to react to anger, the person who doesn’t unnecessarily snap at those they care about, the one who enjoys the moment and doesn’t stress about things they cannot change, here are the 12 tips that are helping me change my life to a more positive one.
12 Simple habits for a more positive life
1. Spend Time Praying
Before anything else – before social media, emails, or even coffee – start your day by talking to God. Prayer has been a game-changer for me. It helps me feel grounded, gives me peace, and reminds me that I don’t have to do this life alone. Even on the hardest days, knowing that I can hand my worries over to God makes all the difference.
If you’re not sure where to start, keep it simple. Just take a few quiet moments to express gratitude, ask for guidance, and invite God into your day.
Here are some prayer books you might find helpful, I have the second one and highly recommend it :).
2. Practice Gratitude
It’s so easy to focus on what’s missing in life – the things we don’t have, the things that could be better. But when we make gratitude a daily practice, we start to see just how much we already have.
Every morning (or before bed), take out a journal and write down things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things – some days, I’m just grateful for my kid’s laughter. This viral five minute gratitude journal really helps you to keep it simple.
The point is to train your mind to notice the good instead of dwelling on the negative. Because what you focus on grows.
3. Exercise
I used to think working out was just about losing weight, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Moving your body is about feeling good – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Exercise doesn’t have to be intense or time-consuming. A simple morning stretch, a 15-minute walk, or dancing in your living room can boost your mood and energy. When I move my body, I feel lighter, less anxious, and more in control of my day. It’s one of the quickest ways to shift into a more positive mindset.
4. Listen to a Motivational Podcast
What you feed your mind is just as important as what you feed your body. If you’re constantly consuming negativity – whether it’s through the news, toxic social media, or complaining – it’s going to affect how you feel.
Instead, start your day with a motivational podcast. Listen while you’re getting ready, commuting, or even doing chores. Hearing someone speak life into you first thing in the morning can change the way you approach the rest of your day.
5. Read Self-Help Books
The right books can completely shift your perspective and help you break out of limiting beliefs.
I highly recommend:
Don’t believe everything you think
These books are proof that if you feel stuck in negativity, unmotivated, or unsure of your next steps in life, reading about other people’s experiences and strategies can be incredibly powerful.
Even just 5 pages a day can help you build new habits, break old ones and transform the way you think about yourself and your future.
6. Freshen Up Every Morning
This one sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference. Even if you’re staying home all weekend, or you work from home all week, get up, wash your face, and put on something that makes you feel good.
For the longest time, I thought “getting ready” was only for days when I had somewhere to go. But I noticed that when I stayed in pajamas all day, my energy stayed low. Now, I make it a habit to freshen up every morning – it helps me feel more alive and ready to take on the day.
7. Always Tidy Up Your Space
A messy environment creates a messy mind. I’m not saying your house needs to be spotless 24/7, but keeping your space tidy – even just a little – can do wonders for your mental clarity.
Make it a habit to put things back where they belong, wipe down surfaces, and keep clutter to a minimum. It’s amazing how much lighter and calmer you’ll feel when your surroundings are in order.
8. Eat Healthy
I’m not talking about dieting or obsessing over food. I mean fueling your body with what it actually needs. The foods you eat affect your mood, energy, and overall well-being.
When I started making small changes – drinking more water, eating whole foods, and cutting back on processed junk – I noticed a huge difference in how I felt. Eating well isn’t about restriction; it’s about taking care of yourself from the inside out.
9. Positive Self-Talk
The way you talk to yourself matters. I used to be my own worst critic, constantly pointing out my flaws and failures. But one day, I realized – if I wouldn’t say it to my best friend, why was I saying it to myself?
Start replacing negative thoughts with truth. Speak to yourself with kindness, encouragement, and love. You are capable, strong, and worthy of good things.
10. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparison is a thief of joy. And let’s be real – social media makes it so easy to fall into that trap.
But the reality is, you’re only seeing people’s highlight reels – not their struggles, not their behind-the-scenes messiness. Your journey is yours alone, and the more you focus on your own growth instead of someone else’s, the happier and more fulfilled you’ll be.
11. Be Slow to Anger
Not everything deserves a reaction. I used to let small things ruin my mood – traffic, spilled milk, a rude comment. But when you practice patience and choose not to let every little thing upset you, life becomes so much more peaceful.
Next time you feel yourself getting irritated, take a deep breath. Ask yourself, “Is this really worth my energy?” Most of the time, the answer is no.
12. Give People You Love Grace
No one is perfect. People will make mistakes, disappoint you, and not always show up the way you expect them to. But holding onto frustration and resentment only hurts you.
Give grace freely. Forgive easily. Love people where they’re at. Because at the end of the day, relationships matter more than being right.
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Final Thoughts
Your life won’t magically change overnight, but these small habits add up fast. You deserve to wake up feeling excited about your day, not just going through the motions. And the best part? You don’t need permission to start.
You can choose right now to step into a more positive, intentional life. So, which habit will you start today?
