Sometimes it can be hard to stay positive and happy. Negative people, things, and circumstances can make your life a living hell… but avoiding them is easier said than done.

Perhaps you can’t move to another place at the moment because you lack the funds. Or maybe for some reason, you can’t leave your negative family behind without feeling guilty or irresponsible.

In this case, you need to deal with the negativities head on instead of avoiding them. Here are 10 simple ways to do that…

1) Make A Conscious Effort To Find The Positive Side In Everything.

Oftentimes, you can’t control what happens to you; but you can certainly respond in the most positive way possible. Look for the good side in everything.

If someone criticized you harshly, thank him for his valuable insight and see if there’s any lesson you can learn.

If your friend arrived one hour later than your scheduled time or didn’t fulfill his promise, don’t lash out at him. See it as an opportunity to develop your character (patience) and a chance to find out who your real friends are.

If something upsets you, change your perception from having an “annoying” experience to a “fascinating” one.

Here’s a harsh reality – you might be attracting the negativity you’re experiencing now. So if you want to start manifesting favorable results, be positive from the inside out… in your thoughts, words, and actions.

2) Have A Gratitude List.

It’s almost impossible to feel depressed if you have so many things to be grateful for. No matter how bad things may turn out, you’re still in a much better position than many other people on earth.

Can you see, hear, walk, or talk? Do you have people in your life who love you? Can you eat at least 3 times a day? Do you have a home? These are just some of the little blessings you could appreciate.

And there are lots of bigger blessings you could be grateful for!

Write them down in your journal or index card, then read them every chance you get. You’ll attract more blessings as a result, and you’ll feel much better too.

3) Find Time To Laugh.

Laughter is the best stress-reliever. Bar none. Everytime I laugh without reservation, I feel so ecstatic and lighthearted.

So develop the habit of laughing everyday, even for just a few minutes.

Watch youtube videos of bloopers, gags, and other things that make you laugh.

Record funny experiences if possible, so you can watch them over again.

Or you can simply imagine funny scenes and situations, so you can laugh your heart out any time you want.

4) Don’t Give A Damn.

This doesn’t mean you’ll stop caring about the people and events in your life; it only suggests that you cease thinking or worrying about what others might think about you.

As Aristotle said: “There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” But what a way to waste your life!

So what if they get mad about your decision, or your idea might sound impractical to them, or they don’t like the way you express yourself?

As long as you’re doing it with a clean conscience, in an ethical and responsible manner, their perception of you being “wrong” or “stupid” doesn’t matter!

5) Say Something Positive For Every Negative Statement.

Here’s a simple way to drive negative people crazy…

Counter their negative words with your positive statements! Always have something good to say to offset their negativity.

If They Say: “Most people who tried this business have failed.”
You Say: “That’s great! I’ll be one of the few people who will succeed.”

If They Say: “No one would buy your product.”
You Say: “Interesting. I’ll see what I can change to make this marketable.”

If They Say: “Why can’t you learn what I’m teaching you?”
You Say: “The first time is always the hardest. But I’ll keep practicing until I get it right.”

If you can’t think of any positive reply, just say “thank you for your opinion” and carry on.

If you keep doing this, your positive attitude might rub off on them or they might give up being negative around you. Either way, you win!

6) Develop Your Spirituality.

Having faith in a higher power can do wonders for your life.

If you’re a Christian, filling your mind with the image of God can give you the inner peace you crave.

You could also write down passages from the Bible in an index card and bring it everywhere you go. Whenever you feel down or stressed out, read the quotes aloud to build your courage and spiritual strength.

Examples include:
“If God is for us, then who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
“I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
“If ye have faith, then nothing is impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20)

However, you don’t need to have any religious affiliation to develop your spirituality. The key is to build deep spiritual faith by attuning yourself to your inner consciousness.

Spend some quiet time each day reflecting and getting in touch with the universal energy that is all around you. Believe in your heart that this universal power is always available at your disposal.

7) Listen to Motivational Speakers Any Chance You Get.

As negativities and challenges arise, our motivation wanes out and we begin to doubt if we could ever achieve our goals.

To continue staying positive and inspired, I go to youtube and watch my favorite motivational speakers every single day, and they never fail to light a fire under my butt.

Listening to Jim Rohn, Les Brown, Zig Ziglar, Earl Nightingale, Tony Robbins, Brian Tracy, and other international speakers has brought dramatic changes to my life.

I recommend listening to them any chance you get; but the best times are in the morning after you wake up (so you could start your day right) and in the evening before you go to sleep (so your subconscious could better “absorb” the principles you’ve learned).

8) Live A Healthy Life.

Negative people and things can stress you out of your wits and weaken your immune system, so live as healthy as you can to stay resilient in the face of pessimism.

Here are some suggestions:
– Eat organic fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Avoid processed and sugary foods.
– Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily.
– Exercise at least 5 hours spread throughout the week.
– Practice breathing exercises.
– Spend quiet time meditating.
Follow simple healthy habits to gain a positive mental, emotional, and physical advantage as you overcome each negativity that comes your way.

9) Give To Charity.

The act of giving some money and/or time to charity can boost your happiness and spiritual health.

As you focus more on how you can give or be of service to others, the less attention you’ll be paying to the negative people and things around you.

And as you contribute to the betterment of the less fortunate, your perspective in life will change and you’ll realize how much luckier you are compared to others.

10) Express Your Inner Feelings.

We experience a great deal of relief when we’re able to let negative emotions off our chest and unload our emotional baggage.

Find someone trustworthy you could talk to and who would be willing to listen. Someone who can feel and understand what you’re going through.

If you can’t find the right person, just write down your thoughts in a journal. It will serve as an outlet where you can write down anything you want and completely release all the pain, anger, sadness, and other negative emotions inside you.

Do these 10 things and you’ll soon find yourself enjoying life… no matter what challenges may rise.