I know in general right now it can be hard to stay positive, whether you’re looking for a job or already have one. Not to mention everything that might be going on in the world. I wanted to share a few tips on how to stay positive when things might not be looking so great.

1. Start your day in a positive way: When you get up and rush out the door, you’re already starting your day stressed. Try waking up and moving a little slower - sit down and have breakfast, listen to or read something inspirational, stretch. This will help get your day set on a good note. 2. Take a break: It’s important to take some time for yourself and step away from what you might be doing. Set aside some time to work on a hobby you’ve been neglecting; go see a movie; take a bath; get together with friends - whatever it is, just focus on being present in that moment. 3. Empty the bucket: I had someone share this little story with me once and the main point was when you empty the bucket little by little, you aren’t weighed down by everything at once. Basically, do something small from your to-do list throughout the day. Instead of letting it all pile on for the end of the day or week, knock it out slowly between everything else you’re doing. Make that phone call, send an email, do the dishes. You’ll find you feel a little more relieved while working on the rest of your current tasks when you aren’t focused on your long list of to-dos when you’re done. 4. Give out positivity to gain some: When you focus on bringing something positive to someone else’s life, you’ll find that more of it also starts coming your way. Offer someone a ride, listen to someone who just needs to get something off their chest, etc. You will be so much happier when you can do something small for someone. 5. SMILE! It’s amazing what smiling a little more can do for you and everyone around you. Not to mention you use fewer muscles so you should be less tired! ;-)

I hope this helps us all as we continue to go through our days, especially as the winter months set in. If you have anything to add to this list, please share!