Everyone reacts differently to difficult situations. Do you get angry, upset, overwhelmed or retreat into yourself when things are challenging?

Being aware of your mindset allows you to take better control of your life, especially during difficult circumstances. Your mindset refers to the attitude you have about your life in general. Your attitude has a huge impact on how well you deal with things. A positive mindset attracts positive energy that helps to create a calm and peaceful environment for you and those around you. On the other hand, a negative mindset draws in negative energy that prevents you from truly enjoying life.

Here are six ways to improve your mindset and your life.

No. 1: Set an intention for the day. Shortly after you awaken each morning, set an intention as to how you want the day to end. Think of one thing you can do during the day that will make you feel good at the end of the day. Revisit your intention throughout the day. Reminding yourself of what you want will actually help you reach your goal.

No. 2: Practice positive self-talk. Pay attention to the things you tell yourself. Are they positive or negative? When you find yourself in a negative thought spiral, practice reframing your negative thoughts in a more positive way. For example, instead of saying, "I messed up," reframe your thoughts and tell yourself: "That was challenging. I know I will do better next time." Even a small shift in the way you talk to yourself can enhance your ability to regulate your feelings, thoughts and behavior during times of stress.

No. 3: Practice gratitude. There is always something to be grateful for, such as a loving family, a nice home, a new puppy or even smaller things like taking a walk in the woods (one of my favorite activities). When negative feelings start to take over your thoughts, you can shift to a more positive mindset by thinking about the things in your life for which you are grateful. I suggest that you keep a small notepad by your bed and write down three things for which you are grateful each night before going to sleep. The goal of this simple practice is to remember a good experience, person or thing in your life — no matter how small — and then enjoy the good emotions that come with it. Over time, you will create a long list that will help you to sustain a positive mindset.

No. 4: Do something good for others. Giving of ourselves to others activates the areas of our brain associated with pleasure, social connection and trust. Altruistic behavior releases endorphins (feel-good hormones) and boosts our own happiness. Not only will they feel good about your gesture, but you will too!

No. 5: Engage in stimulating conversation. Engaging in stimulating conversations with family, friends or co-workers can turn a negative attitude into a positive one. Set ground rules for the conversation: Keep the discussion focused on things that make you happy and that bring joy and meaning to your life. These types of conversations help to support a more positive outlook and optimistic attitude.

No. 6: Relax and recharge. Set aside time for yourself each day. Even a few minutes of quiet time can be refreshing and help to quiet your mind and renew your energy. I often suggest practices such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation. These practices can be short — as little as 15 minutes — with good benefit. Other things that may help you to relax and recharge include taking a bubble bath, listening to music or reading a good book. Choose a technique that works for you and practice it regularly. Taking care of yourself in this way will support a positive mindset.

To find out more about Julie Rosenberg and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Pexels at Pixabay