Roselle Umlas
Do you ever feel you’re stuck in a rut, like your life is going nowhere, or that you’re just not happy?
It would be nice if we could stay upbeat and positive every single day.
Sometimes, all it takes to get out of a funk is a change in perspective.
The way we see the events in our lives and the world in general can have a profound impact on our happiness, motivation, and overall well-being.
In this article, we’ll explore 30 ways to change your perspective and give your life a mood makeover.
Let’s dive in!
1) Find joy in the little things
All too often, we think of happiness as related to the big things – a promotion, a new house, achievements…
But you know what? If you wait for those things to be happy, you’ll be cutting your life satisfaction in half.
Look at the little things…those small moments that contain pockets of joy in them.
Take a moment to appreciate these ordinary, everyday things like a beautiful sunset or a great cup of coffee. You’d be surprised at how much this practice can revive your spirits!
2) Practice gratitude
The great thing about finding joy in the little things is that you’ll learn how to practice gratitude as well.
Take time each day to reflect on the things in your life that you’re thankful for. You can even create a gratitude journal, where you list 3 to 5 things you appreciate each day.
This simple practice can help shift your focus from what you lack to what you have, and it will improve your overall mood.
3) Embrace change
I get it – change is hard.
And unfortunately, it’s also inevitable. So instead of fighting it, embrace it!
When you think about it, change can be positive. Imagine how boring life would be if nothing ever changed, right?
But once you accept change as a natural part of life, you can see it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
So, as you learn to embrace change, it’s also a good idea to…
4) Seek out new experiences
Trying out new things can help you see the world in a different light and give you a fresh perspective.
It also helps you step outside of your comfort zone and trains your mind to deal with change and unfamiliar things.
5) Learn to manage stress
Stress is another inevitable part of life, but this is something you can totally handle.
One of the ways I manage stress is to meditate every morning. It really helps to keep me grounded and in a state of calm and balance. It never fails to renew my mind and give me a fresh perspective on the problems I face!
Aside from meditation, you can manage stress in other ways, such as deep breathing, talking to someone you trust, journaling, and even watching funny shows.
Speaking of funny things, my next tip would be to…
6) Find humor in difficult situations
Have you ever tried looking at a problem through a “humor” lens? By this, I mean finding the humor in it. It’s an awesome way to lighten the mood and give you a new perspective.
Laughing doesn’t just release endorphins that make you feel good. It actually boosts your immune system, protects your heart, and may even help you live longer!
No wonder they say it’s the best medicine!
7) Surround yourself with positive people
Remember the old saying, “No man is an island?”
That still rings true today. Being around people who support you can have a profound impact on your perspective and your life.
I know that life gets incredibly easier when I have positive people around me. I’ve learned over the years not to let toxic people into my life because they can really drain my energy.
8) Volunteer
It’s not enough to be around positive people; it’s equally important to be one yourself!
That’s why volunteering for a good cause is always a good idea.
Helping others does wonders for personal growth. It can bring a sense of purpose and joy, and it can help you see the world in a different light.
Plus, you can’t deny the feeling of satisfaction you get knowing you make a difference in someone else’s life!
9) Focus on the present
Are you holding on to regrets about the past? Worrying about the future?
It’s time for a mind-check – those two things above won’t do you any good.
Pay attention instead to what’s right in front of you. It’s the here and now that matters most.
You don’t want to miss the moments that count, and that can help you appreciate life and find joy.
However, you can only do that if you…
10) Practice mindfulness and self-reflection
Mindfulness frees your mind of the clutter that bogs you down. It helps you be in control of your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings in the moment.
As I mentioned earlier, a meditative practice or a journaling habit can help you develop this skill.
11) Accept the things you can’t control
Here’s another valuable life skill that will help you go the distance and see things from a different perspective.
Most of our frustrations stem from the fact that we try to change things we can’t control.
When it comes to this matter, I like thinking about what the Serenity Prayer says:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
This quote has really helped me get a handle on my emotions when I’m feeling frustrated in life.
12) Learn to let go and forgive
Holding onto grudges, resentment, and anger can weigh you down and block you from moving forward.
Yes, forgiveness can be difficult, but it can also bring a sense of peace and closure. You’ll feel incredibly lighter and freer once you let go of these negative emotions!
And while you’re at it…
13) Practice forgiveness towards yourself
Just as it’s important to forgive others, it’s also important to forgive yourself and let go of past mistakes.
No use beating yourself up for the things you’ve done wrong; you’ll only be keeping yourself stuck in a destructive thought pattern.
14) Practice self-care
Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is essential to improving your life. Make sure you eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
15) Practice positive self-talk and affirmations
The way you talk to yourself matters, too, as it can impact your perspective deeply. So, make sure you’re speaking to yourself with kindness and positivity.
Repeating positive affirmations to yourself can help steer your focus away from negative thoughts to positive ones.
16) Take naps
Yes, you read that right! Naps are awesome for getting a fresh perspective and improving your life in so many ways.
Take it from the experts – they say that naps make us more alert, creative, and happier, among other things!
17) Practice gratitude for challenges
Gratitude is easy when it comes to positive things. Being thankful for trials and problems is another thing.
But you know what? Shifting to this mindset can actually improve your life.
Once you see and appreciate problems as challenges instead of setbacks, you’ll appreciate the personal growth you get from them.
In the same way…
18) Learn to appreciate failure
Failure is a natural, inevitable part of the learning process. You can’t succeed all the time, and that’s a fact!
So, instead of feeling disappointed when you fail to reach your goal, focus on what you can learn from it instead.
19) Find a hobby
Pursuing a hobby you enjoy can bring joy, relaxation, and a new perspective. Whether your interests lie in the creative, athletic, or academic domain, a hobby gets you into the “flow zone.”
That’s where you lose track of time and your self-consciousness. Believe me, you’ll emerge from the flow zone feeling renewed and refreshed!
20) Surround yourself with nature
Feeling tired and rundown?
Here’s a quick tip: take a walk on a nature trail or sit down in a garden!
Research shows that spending time in nature can help you find peace, relaxation, and a fresh perspective.
21) Seek out inspiration
Read books, watch movies, or listen to music that inspires you and lifts your spirits.
This one is a bit escapist, and there’s nothing wrong with that! In fact, they do wonders for sparking your imagination and boosting your mood.
22) Find a mentor
Finding a mentor is another way of seeking out inspiration.
How can a mentor help you?
It’s pretty simple – they can offer guidance and advice on navigating professional (and maybe even personal) obstacles. They can help you achieve your goals and train you to be a more confident and decisive person.
23) Practice patience
I know patience is something that’s easier said than done, but not rushing things can help you see things in a different light and bring peace to your life.
What does patience teach you?
Self-control, mindfulness, gratitude, focus, resilience, and kindness – all of them ingredients for a happier, more meaningful life!
24) Organize your spaces
Marie Kondo was right when she said, “The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.”
And you know what?
There’s a sound psychological basis for that. Research shows that the very act of cleaning and organizing your things can be calming and meditative.
25) Learn a new skill
Having a growth mindset will definitely make your life so much richer.
Acquiring new knowledge and skills can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment and help you see yourself with fresh eyes.
In the same manner, don’t forget to…
26) Seek out new perspectives
One of the most useful tips for getting out of a funk is to seek out other people’s opinions and perspectives.
Many of us are guilty of getting stuck in our own heads, thinking that our perspective is the only one that’s right.
But when you make an effort to know how other people think, you’ll broaden your understanding and improve your perspective.
27) Explore different cultures
This is precisely what I mean when I say “broaden your perspective.”
Learning about different ways of life and cultures can help train you to be non-judgmental and empathetic. You’ll see the world in a different light and grow immensely as a person.
And what’s the best way to explore cultural diversity?
28) Travel
Traveling can expose you to new experiences, cultures, and perspectives, and enrich your life tremendously.
Not just that, traveling also helps develop independence and confidence!
29) Find a positive outlook
Life is filled with disappointments, no doubt about it. But dwelling on those won’t help you move forward.
Focusing on the positive and seeing the good in people and situations can bring you much more joy and happiness!
It also helps you to…
30) Remember the big picture
This is the bottom line – what do you want your life to look like? What kind of person do you want to be?
When faced with challenges, it’s easy to get bogged down in the details.
Remembering the bigger picture can help you see things in a different light and improve your perspective. You’ll find it easier to let go of the minor annoyances and focus on what matters most.
Final thoughts
Life is what you make it, that much is true. And while it’s easy to get trapped in negative thinking, there are many ways you can shift to a mindset that uplifts you.
Hopefully, the 30 ways I’ve shown you can help improve your happiness, motivation, and overall well-being.
It’s important to remember that changing your perspective takes a lot of time and effort, but the results are worth it.
So, pick one or two of these ways to start with, and see how a change in perspective can improve your life!
