Ah, positive energy – the foundation of conscious living and mindfulness. Personal transformation, emotional balance, and holistic happiness are just some of the things that start with positivity.

However, life often gets in the way of positivity, doesn’t it? Getting cut off in traffic, impatience, losing our tempers… These are just some of the many minuscule occurrences that get in the way of our positive energy.

What if it doesn’t have to be that way? Well, it doesn’t! We are all in control of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. And when we react positively, we spread positivity. If you can’t change the environment, then change your reaction.

So, here’s 9 powerful ways you can use right now to harness more positive energy into your life!

1. Appreciate nature

A stroll in the park or a short hike up a hill can do wonders for your physical and emotional health, just as long as you remember to stop and smell the roses.

2. Smile more

I don’t know about you, but nothing brightens my day more than a smile – it’s infectious! But you don’t have to wait to be the receiving end of it – be the initiator! Start by smiling at your waiter, acquaintances, your colleagues – and when you’re comfortable enough, just smile at strangers!

3. Be kind

Kindness is a beautiful thing. It spreads like wildfire, and not to mention that you gain immense joy from giving. Start with simple compliments like “that’s a nice dress” or “I love what you did with your hair!”. Then slowly work your way up to small actions.

4. Be grateful

Gratitude is an extraordinarily powerful positivity tool. Take some time each day to give thanks for the smallest of blessings – for having people in your life who love you for who you are, for having access to technologies that others didn’t have twenty years ago, for having food, water, and shelter. There’s plenty of things to be grateful for. Remember, a grateful soul is a positive mind.

5. Surround yourself with positive people

You’re either a product of your environment, or your environment is a product of you. Gain control over your mindset by molding your environment to be a conducive incubator for positive energy. That also means weeding negativities in your life. It’s important to be selective about the type of people you surround yourself with, as it will have long-term and potent effects on what you attract. The more positive the people are in your life, the more positivity you will attract.

6. Project positivity in your speech

The energy you produce mimics the energy you receive, and the energy you produce is governed by the words you speak, and the actions you take. Understandably, we do need to vent every once in a while, but more often than not, our speech should be positive in nature. Instead of complaining about your situation, talk about what you can do to change it. Instead of gossiping, talk about what you can learn from the mistakes of others.

7. Love yourself

Self-deprecation is the bane of personal growth and harnessing positive energy. It’s damaging to your self-value and self-confidence. Be proud of who you are, and accept yourself for who you are. Each time you say something negative about yourself, combat it with five reminders of why you’re awesome – because you are!

8. Live in the present

Leave the pains of yesterday behind, and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. If you’ve suffered from a traumatic past or made mistakes you wish you could change, it’s time you let go, and let live. It’s time you forgive the wrongdoings of others, just as you should forgive yourself. The present is all that matters, and the sooner you learn to live in it, the sooner you’ll experience the power of positivity!

9. Focus on your health

The mind, body, and soul are often regarded as separate entities – but each of these components has a direct effect on one another. Your physical health will contribute to your mental state, and your mental state will impact your soul’s emotions. Begin by exercising and eating healthily. An exercise regime will do wonders for creating positive habits! If you’re overweight, perhaps it’s time you shifted your sights to getting back in shape. Don’t forget, being positive is all about feeling positive