Have you noticed it’s getting hard to stay cheerful? Instead of looking within, it seems like it’s easier to bitch and complain about stuff. To tell the truth, it could just be a habit and you can change that. The next time you want to give someone the finger, stop and try these easy ways to get over the grumpiness and spread some joy.

You wanna stay cheerful? Try this.

1. Wake up and put a smile on your face.

You’ll have to put some effort into this to make it happen. Really, who wants to get out of that nice, cozy bed? Not I! But, when I think about it, I’m so grateful for all that I have and all that I’ve done, it’s easy to smile. Or, at least squeak out a smirk.

2. Enjoy a good stretch before you get out of bed.

You know stretching is good for you, so why not knock it off first thing. Yup, even before you get out of bed. To begin with, it gets the blood flowing and wakes up those sleepy muscles. Do this and you’ll absolutely bounce out of bed. Promise. Try it.

3. To stay cheerful, take a few minutes for yourself before you begin the day.

What is it that makes you happy when you’re getting your day going? Do you like a cup of coffee or tea while you watch the news, check your emails, or read the paper? Figure out what you can’t do without, and then budget the time to indulge yourself. To be sure, it’s a very important part of your day and it’s necessary to maintain good mental health.

4. Affirmations are outer expressions of your inner dreams.

While some use meditation to reduce stress and anxiety, I like to recite affirmations.

5. Stay focused on the progress you’re making.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by responsibilities. Instead of dreading everything you’ve got to do, take a minute to focus on what you’ve accomplished and pat yourself on the back.

6. Limit the news.

You may like to start the day with the news, and that’s good. I know I do. The trick here is to know when to move on to more pleasant things. When the news starts to make you tense and your breathing begins to get shallow, get out of there and look for the peace you need to motivate you throughout the day.

7. Smile and say “Hello“.

Here comes that smiling thing again. When you get to work tomorrow, make it a point to do something crazy. Try greeting people. That’s right, give ’em a smile and say, “Hi,” “Good morning,” “What’s happening?”, or even “You look nice today.” Of course, it’s just a little thing, and it may surprise your co-workers. But, it’s bound to be a good day when you acknowledge others in such a pleasant way. For this reason, be happy and watch others smile with you.

8. Stay cheerful as you look on the bright side.

Since your goal is to stay cheerful when surrounded by the cheerless, you’re the one who sees the glass as half full. This gives you the power to lift the people around you. (Although some will choose to be annoyed by your cheerful attitude. Ignore them!)

Ballroom dancing is a popular way to get and stay in a good mood. To find out why, read this Dance Safari post, “Why Dance? The Benefits of Ballroom Dancing“.

9. Don’t take things personally.

In the course of your day, you’ll likely encounter those who have an opinion about your work or something you say or do. When this happens, it’s easy to become defensive. Try to take constructive criticism in a positive way. Don’t assume it’s an attack on you personally.

10. You can’t control others.

Who knows what goes into the making of another human being’s feelings? The fact is, their history and surroundings create the person they’ve become. As a result, they might say and do things you don’t understand.

Also, keep in mind you can’t change others; you can only change how you react and respond to them.

11. This too shall pass.

There’s always tomorrow. For this reason, let’s not dwell on the bad times and experiences that are a part of everyone’s life. From here on in, resolve to take from them what you will, and move on.

12. Lose fear.

Last of all, be brave and move forward in your life. Furthermore, don’t let what-ifs stop you from living a happy, fulfilling life. Fear will destroy your dreams. Please don’t let that happen.

There you have it, 12 easy ways to look at life on the bright side, love yourself and your neighbors, relieve stress, and live a peaceful, cheerful life. You can do it!