Positive thinking is powerful; it can boost your immune system and improve coping skills, taking you from oh no! to can do! The ability to travel mentally to a relaxing oasis enables you to handle stress — enhancing your whole well-being.

Let the sun shine on your day with these strategies:

• Positive returns. Some negative emotions are inevitable (and not always bad), but too many can leave you feeling burdened and depressed. Find a way to balance the negative, and use an upbeat attitude to rebound from stress. Look for humor, sing a happy song, or help someone in need. Consciously choose the most positive thought you can access.

• Sweet self-talk. Address the mirror. The way you speak to yourself greatly affects your confidence, health, and quality of life. For example, deliberately replace “I’m not going to get better at this,” with “This task is difficult, but I can learn how to do it.”

• Joy network. Surround yourself with optimistic people for support. When you’re stuck in a downward spiral, talk to cheerful friends who inspire and encourage you.

If something bad happens today, take a quick mental getaway. Then choose to accentuate the positive, laugh at the situation, and spread good cheer.