PC * POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE

Practice calming rituals.

Life can throw us a series of stressful events, but positive people know how to cope with that anxiety in a healthy way. In fact, certain stress-relieving behaviors can actually promote positive emotions. Studies have shown that both exercise and meditation have been linked with happier moods.

Calm and positivism during challenging times...

In an analysis on positive thinking published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers suggest that cultivating an optimistic mindset can help you tackle life's challenges with resiliency -- and as a result, that could potentially lead to greater well-being.

No one is immune to the tough lots in life -- even optimists. The key is staying positive but keeping yourself grounded in reality.

Don't bully.

Many of us are often our own worst critics, but positive individuals have learned to embrace themselves exactly as the are. Research shows self-acceptance could be vital to a happier life.

One way to cultivate more compassion toward ourselves is through Loving-Kindness Meditation, or an exercise where you extend feelings of love and goodwill to yourself and to others. Research published in the journal Psychological Science found that those who regularly practiced the activity experienced more positive emotions. Not to mention, you'll also reap the other benefits of meditation. Check out these tips to help you get started.

Get rid of toxic relationships.

Who you are is partly a reflection of who you choose to surround yourself with -- that's why a good support system is crucial to an optimistic outlook. Studies show emotions like stress and happiness are contagious -- the more you're around it, the more likely you are to reflect that attitude.

Armed with this knowledge, positive people build a strong social circle that helps reinforce their upbeat nature. "

Positively celebrate the little victories.

Positive people hold big accomplishments and small victories with the same weight, Blakeman said. There's power in acknowledging the little things.

Research shows that thankfulness can lead to increased optimism, and it's a habit positive people make a point to practice. Gratitude for the little moments -- getting to the subway before it leaves the platform, getting a complimentary email from your boss at work -- provides more opportunities to be positive since you're concentrating on multiple facets of your day.

Don't let optimism hinder goals.

Despite all the, well, positive research, there are some downfalls if approached incorrectly -- specifically when it comes to pursuing our goals. Research suggests that overly positive viewpoints -- think fairy-tale mindset -- may actually impede us from reaching an accomplishment.

Everyone experiences setbacks in the pursuit of success. Optimally positive people recognize those speed bumps and proceed to problem-solve their way around them in order to reach their goals. This sort of attitude is equal parts realistic and optimistic, which makes the pursuit less like a fantasy but still leads to a satisfying outcome.

Plan ahead.

It's important to realize when our current situation or planning becomes too overwhelming. Positive thinking is best cultivated with a relaxed mind, so take a break when we feel like you're getting bogged down with the details that it's clouding our attitude.