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A lot of people pride themselves on being optimists, and TBH, if you canstay positivewith everything that’s going on in the world today, major props to you. For most people who consider themselves the glass-half-full type, it’s a lifestyle. They try to look at everything that comes their way, from relationship troubles to work mistakes, with a positive spin. But a recent study investigated whether optimists still stay more positive than pessimists when things get really tough, and what they found was pretty surprising.

Scientists analyzed nine previous studies to see how both optimists and pessimists brace themselves for receiving important and potentially negative news, like medical test results. They found that even though people who identify as optimists tend to be more positive in general, they too start assuming the worst as the moment of truth about something important nears. It’s easy to understand this instinct, since some people tend to believe that preparing yourself for the worst will ultimately make it less shocking if it happens. On the other hand, some people would rather stay positive whenever possible, since it’s easier to fight off stress and anxiety when you have a sunny outlook. Here, we’ve gathered some of our favorite expert tips for staying optimistic when you’re dealing with some super hard stuff.

How To Stay Positive

1.Learn to reframe negativity. “The trick to positivity is not avoiding pessimism,” says Elaine Taylor-Klaus, a certified professional coach. “It’s really about how quickly you can redirect your focus from negative to positive. Critical thinkers are going to see problems to be solved, but the ability to ‘reframe’ the conversation is the really important skill for people to practice.” She recommends getting into the habit of acknowledging negative thoughts and then asking, “What else is possible here?” This can guide you back into a positive mindset more quickly.

“Bottom line: Negativity happens,” she says. “Positivity is a choice, and the quicker you learn to reframe, the more time you’ll spend in a positive space. Then, over time, the more likely you are to turn directly to a positive interpretation of events.”

2. Ask yourself if this will matter a month or year from now. Sometimes things seem crucial AF in the moment, but might be inconsequential even just a few days after that. Just think about high school drama. “When we can leave the past behind and even know in the present moment that this feeling won’t last, it can help to remind us that time heals and life goes on,” explainsSharon Stokes, life-fulfillment coach.

3.Give back. Volunteering is an amazing way to change your entire perspective, saysLyssa Menard, a clinical health psychologist, founder of Strategies for Changeand assistant professor at Northwestern University’s medical school. “There are many organizations that don’t require an ongoing commitment, so sign up for an event that’s meaningful. Research shows that giving to others is one of the quickest routes toward happiness. While happiness and positivity are different, they’re correlated,” Lyssa says.

4. Role play to be more objective. Playing a little mind trick on yourself can work wonders, says Lori Scherwin of Strategize That, a career coaching service. “We’re often better at helping others than ourselves,” she notes. “Make the situation more objective and less personal to you. For example, consider if it were anyone else in the situation (like your best friend, partner or colleague). How would you see the same ‘problem?’ What advice might you give them to get out of it?” she asks. This will help you shift from being super hard on yourself to more objective, and most likely, more positive.

5. Make changes to things that are within your control. Spending time worrying about something that you can’t change isn’t really worth the effort. Instead, “Focus on areas where you have agency,” suggests Holly Burton, a career coach for women in male-dominated industries. “You may be stuck in a role you don’t love at work, but you could probably work a few extra hours a week and take on a project that interests you. You could also schedule some proactive meetings with your boss to make an action plan to develop the skills you need to make a lateral move,” she says. In most situations, whether they’re career-related or not, it’s possible to take actions to make things better for yourself.

6. Practice radical acceptance. Some professional coaches suggest trying out the idea of radical acceptance, which is basically accepting the things you cannot change, even if they’re not right or you don’t agree with them.

7.Try this gratitude challenge. First, journal about one event each day for seven days that made you feel happy and/or thankful and include the specifics of why it made you feel that way, going deep into the details. Second, send one random thank you email or text to someone each day, either personally or professionally. This message should include what they did and why it’s worthy of the shout out. Detailed gratitude journals are proven to improve your life satisfaction, so try to stick to a gratitude practice, even in the good times!

What do you do when you’re trying to stay optimistic? Have you tried any of these techniques? Tell us about it @BritandCo!

This article has been updated.

It's fun to learn more about ourselves and to feel understood — that's why we take personality tests so incessantly. And since we live in an age of increased self-awareness, we can apply those tests to so many things, like our Hogwarts house and makeup preferences. Clearly, knowing thyself has taken on a whole new meaning lately, and we love the things that these tests can tell us — but did you ever wonder how your personality might affect your dreams? In a new study, Best Mattress Brand set out to discover whether specific types of people had particular types of dreams. Read on for their fascinating results.

The test explored each component of the Myers-Briggs types, which can be broken down into eight characteristics:

Extraversion or Introversion: This is the way you focus your energy. Extroverts focus on the outside world, and Introverts focus on their inner world.

Sensing or Intuition: This is the way you process information. Sensing individuals focus on the facts, and Intuitive individuals interpret the facts.

Thinking or Feeling: This is the way you make decisions. Thinkers process decisions logically, and Feelers make decisions with context and emotion in mind.

Judging or Perceiving: This is the lens through which you interpret the world. Judgers prefer decisive action, while Perceivers like to keep their options open.

Together, your individual combination of these eight traits creates your personality type. Given these traits as variables, the study surveyed 1,000 people on their Myers Briggs traits and their sleep habits.

As you'd imagine, there were a lot of discrepancies between Introverts and Extroverts. Interestingly enough, Extroverts are 17.7 percent more satisfied with their levels of energy during waking hours than their introverted counterparts. Perhaps it's because of their dream habits: Extroverts also have 8.3 percent fewer nightmares than Introverts. Extroverts also dream about traveling 13.9 percent more often than Introverts do.

What about the content of these dreams? If you're Intuitive, you're 16.8 percent more likely to dream about being killed than Sensers are. ­Apparently, Intuitive individuals' dreams are more violent across the board: They also dream about getting attacked and “punching something with no effect" more often.

There's also a substantial difference between Thinkers and Feelers when it comes to dreams. The more emotional Feelers dream about getting pregnant more often than Thinkers do, and they dream about their friends more often too. Perhaps Thinkers are just thinking too hard; they talk in their sleep almost 10 percent more than Feelers do.

The Judgers and Perceivers have their differences as well; in fact, Perceivers have night terrors 10.2 percent more often than Judgers, probably due to the fact that they experience reality so deeply.

Does your personality type match up with these findings? Let us know @BritandCo.

(Photo via Brit + Co)

This post has been updated.

Even if you're sad about all the titles leaving Netflix this month, don't worry. There are plenty of TV shows on Max to fill your queue (and your binge watch hours). And the best part is since March 1 is a Saturday, you can relax all weekend long. From new seasons to brand new premieres, these are the best TV shows coming to Max this month. Check out the shows on Netflix in March too!

Here are the 9 best TV shows to watch in March 2025.

1. Lockerbie: The Bombing of Pan Am 103 Season 1 — Stream on Max March 25, 2025

CNN

In 1988, the bombing of Pan Am 103 led to the deaths of 270 people. Lockerbie explores the investigation that followed the tragedy and allows the victims' family members to talk about their experiences.

Lockerbie: The Bombing of Pan Am 103 season 1 premieres March 25.

2. Paul American — Stream on Max March 27, 2025

Max

You've seen Jake and Logan Paul make YouTube videos, star in movies, and wrestle, but now they're taking on reality TV — and all the vulnerable moments we haven't seen before.

Paul American premieres March 27 and stars Jake Paul and Logan Paul.

3. The Pioneer Woman Season 38 — Stream on Max March 29, 2025

Food Network

Get ready for some delicious, filling, and comfort food recipes thanks to Ree Drummond. The best part about this TV show? She makes you feel right at home!

The Pioneer Woman season 38 premieres March 29 and is hosted by Ree Drummond.

4. ​When No One Sees Us — Stream on Max

Emilio Pereda/Max

This Spanish-language TV show takes you into "deep Spain" — and all its political and cultural criminal activity — during the country's Holy Week festivities. You'll be on the edge of your seat the whole time.

When No One Sees Us premieres March 7 and stars Maribel Verdú, Mariela Garriga, Austin Amelio, Ben Temple, and Dani Rovira.

5. T​he Righteous Gemstones season 4 — Stream on Max

Jake Giles Netter/HBO

The gemstones are back for one last adventure as they prepare for the future — including a foray into Hollywood? Nothing is certain...except for the fact we're definitely going to miss this TV family.

The Righteous Gemstones premieres March 9 and stars Danny McBride, Adam Devine, John Goodman, Edi Patterson, Cassidy Freeman, Tim Baltz, Tony Cavalero, Greg Alan Williams, Skyler Gisondo, Walton Goggins, Jennifer Nettles, James DuMont, Jody Hill, Troy Hogan, Valyn Hall, Kelton DuMont, Gavin Munn, Megan Mullally, Arden Myrin, and Seann William Scott.

6. ​Spring Baking Championship Season 11 — Stream on Max

Food Network

Get your baking on with this Food Network TV show, which welcomes you into The Little Shop of Spring Magic. 13 contestants, all hoping to be named Spring Baking Champion, compete for $25,000 and a Food Network Magazine feature. And they might just inspire your own baking adventures along the way!

Spring Baking Championship Season 11 premieres March 10 and is hosted by Jesse Palmer and features judges Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller, and Kardea Brown.

7. The White Lotus season 3 — Stream new episodes on Max on Sundays

Max

This season of The White Lotus has introduced new characters, new drama...and a UNC vs. Duke subplot. Sign me up.

The White Lotus season 3 stars Leslie Bibb, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Blackpink’s Lisa Manobal.

8. One Tree Hill — Stream on Max

Warner Bros. TV

Speaking of Carolina basketball, 'tis the season for March madness, which means it's a good time to rewatch One Tree Hill. The TV show starts out as a brother & basketball rivalry and morphs into a complex relationship drama like none other.

One Tree Hill is available to stream on Max and stars Chad Michael Murray, Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, James Lafferty, and Bethany Joy Lenz.

9. Game of Thrones — Stream on Max

Helen Sloane/HBO

If you're in your romantasy era, then you might want to press play on this fantasy drama. It's got everything: romance, political intrigue, and so many incredible costumes.

Game of Thrones is available to stream on Max and stars Emilia Clarke, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Kit Harington, Richard Madden, and Gwendoline Christie (among many others).

Check out the other Most-Anticipated TV Shows Coming In March!

This post has been updated.