Spark Positive Thoughts

A recent study showed that Twitter followers enjoy following people who tweet positively.  “Expressing negative sentiments in tweets is the second most harmful factor to growing a Twitter audience,” say researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology. They speculate about why: “This might be because Twitter is a medium dominated by very weak social ties, and negative sentiment from strangers may be unpleasant or uncomfortable for a potential new follower to see.” It's a safe bet that this study on Twitter followers would carry over to other social media platforms. What can you do to spark positive thoughts?

Make the decision NOT to whine or complain on social media. There's not many letters between whiner and winner but there's a world of difference. Which one do you want to be? {tweetable}

Have a bad day? Lay off Twitter, Google+, and Facebook. Venting publicly isn't a good plan. If you'd like to connect with friends, send a private message or have a phone call. My golden rule for social media “Tweet others the way you want to be tweeted.” {tweetable} You can't take back things that you send out in the universe, once they are out they can be reshared, copied, pinned, or screen grabbed. Beyonce's bad photo from the Super Bowl half-time show is a perfect example.

So, what can you do to spark a positive thought? Here's a list of suggestions to turn your mood around:

1. Talk with a friend or family member

2. Take your dog for a walk

3. Boost your mood with some food — “Your brain cells are capable of making their own chemical mood-stabilizers such as serotonin—if they get the right raw material from the food you eat.”

4. If you're upset with someone, try writing it all out in a letter to them which you send or don't send depending on your situation. This can help clarify your thoughts on the situation. Vent if you need to get something off your mind: write, shred it, and move on mentally. Or send it if you feel that it can help build your relationship.

5. Read the book that's been collecting dust on your bedside.

I know you have a little list of things that make you happy and boost your mood when needed. What's on your list? Where do you gather inspiration on a gloomy mood day?

And next time your angry or upset, think twice before venting on social media and poisoning your streams. You'll be grateful that you made the smart choice later when you've cooled down or perked up.

More positive thoughts from my blog:

Be Positive: Ten Positive Women Totally Rocking Social Media

Be Positive: Why Your Social Media Persona Really Does Matter

Why No One Cares about Your Rant

Places to gather more positive vibes:

Alltop Inspiration page

Alltop Positive Psychology

Positively Positive  This is my dream guest blog site.

 Featured image courtesy of kyz via Creative Commons.

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Article by Peg Fitzpatrick