INSTRUCTIONS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Your summary must be written in point form. List your SEVEN points in full sentences, using no more than 70 words. Number your sentences from 1 to 7. Write only ONE point per sentence. Use your OWN words as far as possible. Indicate the number of words you have used in brackets at the end of your summary. TEXT A POSITIVE THINKING Positive thinking will not make your problems disappear but will make it more manageable. Challenging situations are a part of life, so when you are faced with one, focus on the good things. For example, if someone cancels plans, focus on how you are free for another activity you enjoy. Practising gratitude has been shown to improve self-esteem even in difficult times. Think of people that bring you happiness and try to express gratitude to them daily, like thanking a loved one for washing the dishes. Writing down the things you are grateful for improves your sense of well-being. Write in a gratitude journal the things you are grateful for daily. Laughter relieves stress, lightens the mood, and makes things less difficult. Be open to humour and give yourself permission to laugh. Consider the people with whom you are spending time. Have you noticed how someone in a bad mood can bring down everyone in a room? Surround yourself with positive people who will help you see the bright side. We tend to form negative opinions of ourselves. Respond with positive messages, also known as positive self-talk. Ask a trusted friend to help you identify negative areas in your life. A co-worker might notice that you tend to be negative at work. Tackle negative areas one at a time. Create a ritual in which you start each day on a positive note. Tell yourself that it is going to be a great day, listen to a happy song or compliment someone. [Adapted from www.healthline.com
