Ready to Feel Happier? Here's a Simple Exercise to Help You Practice Positive Thinking! by Dr. Lynne Kenney

Shifting how you think calls for simple reflection. Here’s a simple way to begin to shift toward more positive thinking. 

• Keep a journal of your thoughts for 72 hours and reflect on whether your thoughts benefit your well-being or distract from your health. 
• Throughout your daily interactions, write down what you are thinking on the left side of the page and how you are feeling on the right. 
• In the next 24 hours do a variation on the first activity. Look through your columns from the first exercise and identify the thoughts associated with any unpleasant feelings. 
• In a new column to the right, write down alternate positive thoughts to replace your negative thoughts. 

Practice the new thoughts like mantras in order to begin shifting your thoughts from negative to positive.