Hope and optimism go hand in hand. Having an optimistic or hopeful attitude means you have confidence that things will go well. You often have a positive approach to or take away from a situation. People who are hopeful or optimistic often experience better moods and have higher well-being than those who are not.

While some people are naturally more hopeful or optimistic in their outlook to life, we can use a range of strategies to develop a more positive and hopeful mindset. These can work well with both adults and children. Over time, and with some effort, they can become healthy habits to improve our mood and overall well-being, even when things are hard.

Want a more hopeful outlook?

• Identify a goal that is important to you – how can you begin making steps towards it?
• What have you achieved this week? Take time to savour this.
• Look out for good things happening around you/to you – can you see e.g. 3 today?
• Talk about a problem with a friend – can they offer a new perspective?
• Quieten the negative inner chatter – remember what you can do and do well.
• Reframe an irritating situation – e.g did it teach you anything new?

Most importantly – be realistic. We all have our ups and downs. The challenge is to not let these overshadow the good in our life.