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Other Suggestions
There are some other things you can do to develop and keep a positive attitude. They all begin with "F" (sort of). Think of them as the "F-words." (Remember, you can't stoop too low to help people remember something.)
Fitness. Exercise and sleep are important factors in not only physical, but emotional health. Regular exercise releases endorphins and has been shown to be of help in relieving depression. It doesn't have to be any more than a half hour of fast walking. (As always, talk with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.)
Fun. We need to have fun. Fun refreshes. It can distract us from our troubles. It doesn't matter whether your kind of fun is being with others or being alone with a book. We need time when we are "off the clock" and can do something we enjoy.
Family. Family can be a wonderful resource for a positive attitude. We need people around us who love us and are there for us. (If your family does not have that kind of atmosphere, seek out a counselor who can help, please.) We also can derive a great deal of satisfaction from serving others, even if they don't seem (as our kids often don't) to appreciate everything we are doing. The famous psychologist Karl Menninger is supposed to have told someone who was depressed to go out, find someone less well off than himself, and help him.
Friends. Friends are important in the same way family members are. No spouse, parent, or child will give you all the encouragement you need. Friends can help even when our families are dysfunctional or family members are upset with us. You want some friends who believe in you and can help you be positive. Try to minimize time with gloomy people who pull you down.
Physical. In addition to being physically fit, there are some simple physical strategies that research has shown to be of help.
Relaxation. Stress puts us on edge. Reducing stress and anxiety makes you better able to focus on the positive. All it takes are some simple exercises, like breathing slowly and deeply several times or tensing and relaxing muscles one by one (face, neck, shoulder, arms, hands, abdomen, legs).
Smiling. Smiling can elevate your mood. Honest. I know it sounds silly and you may want to try it first with your office door closed. Simply smile, a big smile or grin, and hold it for 10-15 seconds (or even longer). Once you get into this, you could even smile occasionally at your co-workers or family members. (Don't overdo it. Make this more of a natural smile, like you're happy, not crazy. Be prepared in case they begin to ask what you've been up to.)
Laughing. If you thought smiling was strange, this is even stranger, but studies have shown that laughing makes us feel better. While laughing naturally with friends is wonderful, you don't actually have to be with anyone or find anything funny. Just laugh. Out loud. Hard. (This is another one to do with your office door closed, or maybe even in your car with the windows rolled up tight.) Do it for 10-15 seconds and you'll find yourself a little happier and more positive.