Nine ways to be more positive in 2024

New Year’s Eve may be the traditional marker for self-reflection and making plans for the future, but can you harness that magic at any time?

Having lived through the pandemic to now face the cost-of-living crisis and global insecurity, is it any wonder our positivity is at risk? One in four people experiences some sort of mental health challenge every year in the UK. 

And the benefits of positivity are far-reaching, including reduced stress, increased motivation, more energy, a stronger immune system, and better relationships. So, don’t wait until January 1 to start working on it – follow these tips to be more positive in 2024.

1. Start the day with intentions

Starting the day with positive intentions encourages our brains to filter out negative thoughts and energy. Incorporate them into habits you already have, such as brushing your teeth. Give yourself a high-five in the mirror or tell yourself, “I love you”. The benefits will soon outweigh any initial silliness you may feel. 

“Intentions can also be bolstered by writing down what you want to achieve,” suggests Ali McDowall, co-founder of The Positive Planner. “Place your journal and a pen by the kettle in the morning. Work to your advantage.”

2. Practise gratitude

Regular gratitude practice can help rewire our brain to look for the positive. Take note of three things you are grateful for every evening, and don’t limit it to things you own. 

“Focus on your own qualities; what you value in yourself,” says psychotherapist John-Paul Davies.

Children’s charity Go Beyond, which provides free residential breaks for vulnerable children, encourages gratitude for kindness shown to each other by voting for a Star of the Day.

It’s a nice opportunity to reflect on the day and build positive relationships with each other,” says Claire Menear, a break leader at Go Beyond. “That feeling of positivity becomes contagious.” 

3. Go on a good news diet

Whether it’s an update on the cost-of-living-crisis or comparing yourself to an old friend’s ‘perfect life’ on Instagram, what we see and hear has an effect on our outlook on life.

“Be conscious about what you are exposing yourself to,” says Davies. “Discriminate and notice the effect it has on your body.”

Upset by the latest news report? Ground yourself with some calming breaths and check in on your gratitude lists. 

“Use social media to connect with people who are nurturing and supportive and can therefore provide positive dopamine and oxytocin hits,” adds Davies.

4. Work on your vagus nerve

Our vagus nerve, which runs from our abdomen to our brains, is central to regulating our nervous system, and can work wonders on boosting a positive mental attitude. 

“By practising vagal toning, you can bring yourself out of a stressed state and get to a place of positivity,” explains nutritionist and health coach Le’Nise Brothers. 

And you don’t have to subject yourself to the shocking facial ice baths currently trending on social media either. 

“Simple things like humming and sighing can do your system a lot of good,” reassures Brothers. “Singing or massaging the back of your head also works just as well.”

5. Get creative

Being creative not only grounds us in the present, it can also serve as an outlet for any negative feelings in a productive way. 

“Creative pursuits can put your body and brain into a calm and aligned place,” says Davies, who highlights that creative habits such as painting or pottery are also not seasonally dependent like more physical pursuits, such as running.