While we know that positive thinking doesn’t cure every problem in life, we do know that positive thinking has proven, science-based effects that impact your life for the better. It helps with lowering stress, keeping you healthier, and providing better coping skills during difficult times. And we know that the holiday season can be a source of those difficult times — and that the new year is a time of reflection. And maybe an opportunity to reset, and bring more positive thinking into your own life.

Because it’s not hard to see how all that positive impact can in turn lead to more successes in life as a whole.

On this episode of Spawned, we speak with fitness instructor, A-list trainer (she was the first female trailer for the Philadelphia Flyers!), author, and professional joy spreader Sandy Joy Weston. Ever since, Kristen and I have been thinking a lot about positivity, like what we can do to help reboot our mindset and create more positivity in our lives.

Because who doesn’t want more positivity? Especially when it leads to so many wonderful outcomes.

Take a listen now. We have a feeling you’ll get as much out of her tips as we did.

7 simple tips about positivity from today’s episode

1. Know that positivity begets positivity

2. Keep the negative stuff in perspective Important note: Negativity is not the same as depression. If you’re suffering from depression, it’s important to talk about it, if only anonymously, and to seek treatment. If you suffer from depression, you are never to blame for “not getting out of it sooner.” Some things are just out of our control and that’s okay.

3. Avoid comparing yourself to others all the time

4. Work on getting out of a negative headspace sooner than later

5. Do something every day toward your goal, no matter how small

6. Journal! Sandy is a huge fan of journaling as a way to get out feelings, set goals, jumpstart creativity, find inspiration, and track progress. She talks a lot about it in her book, Train Your Head and Your Body Will Follow.. If it helps, try one of these 5 free journaling apps we really like.

7. Take time to express gratitude.

Be sure to take a listen to the Spawned Parenting Podcast on Apple Podcasts or your own favorite podcasting app, to learn more details about the connections between positivity and success, and how to change your own headspace for the better.

And be sure to subscribe to our feed and download the episode so you can catch us even when you’re offline.

Related: Build positivity with these 5 printable gratitude journal pages for kids

About our cool sponsors: Support them!

Circle Home Plus Screen Time Management System

We’ve been fans of Circle since this smart, screen time management system launched. So much so, we even included them in our Ultimate Guide to Digital Parenting on Cool Mom tech.

If you’re not familiar with it, Circle is the award-winning, parent-approved tool that manages your family’s online time across all their connected devices — computers, phones, tablets, gaming systems, smart TVs, wearable tech and more, both inside and outside of your home.

Parents can filter what content is allowed, set limits for screen time, monitor history and usage, and even reward kids for good behavior. Simply plug Circle Home Plus into your router, download the app, and you’re ready to go.

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Prodigy Online Math

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With a Premium Membership, students often spend more time in the game, which leads to more questions answered and more math skills mastered. It also includes extra features and fun rewards, like exclusive pet characters, gear and accessories, that will give your child more incentive to play. This way they remain engaged with math practice so they can unlock their full potential.

Visit prodigygame.com and click “get your free account” to get started.
With monthly, yearly and family memberships, you can find the Premium Membership that works for your family.

Our Cool Picks of the Week

Sandy: Qet Botanicals makes natural, organic, handcrafted premium beauty products for skin, hair, face and body.

Kristen: Dazzle Dry nail polish is her new obsession. It’s a non-toxic alternative to gel polishes, doesn’t require UVA/UVB light, and dries in five minutes — and it lasts!

Liz: She’s a fan of the Vinglacé wine chiller, a brilliant mom-invented, vacuum-sealed wine bottle insulator that keeps your wine at the right temperature without pre-chilling or freezing it.

Top Photo: Thought Catalog via Unsplash