“A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances over you”
Thinking positively isn’t necessarily all about walking around with a constant grin on your face, skipping through life expecting and believing that everything that happens is for the best. Nor is it about burying your head in the sand ignoring unpleasant situations. Having a positive attitude is the ability to accept that there are always going to be challenges, but with the right mindset you are able to reframe any negative self-talk – the endless stream of thoughts and chatter running throughout your head.
In this article we discover:
- How our thoughts affect our brain health and wellbeing
- How thinking positively creates resilience
- How we can adopt a positive mindset
Brain Health
Positive thinking may help with traumas such as stroke, brain injury or tumours. Negative emotions prevent your brain from seeing other options and choices available to you. Having happy positive thoughts releases the neurotransmitter serotonin, also known as the happy chemical, inducing a sense of calm and focus, as well as decreasing the stress hormone cortisol. Serotonin helps regulate your mood naturally.
Stress and Well-being
A positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, reducing inflammation on your body. An optimistic person is better equipped to handle a disappointment by the ability to focus on what they are able to do in order to change the outcome. Research suggests that positive people may lead healthier lifestyles as they wish to make better choices for their health.
Improved Resilience
Rather than falling apart at the slightest hiccup, positive thinking can help you better face a crisis, disappointment or trauma, with strength and resolve increasing your ability to cope with problems. Resilience is your mental ability to bounce back.
How to Increase Positive Thinking
Smile – A study has shown that smiling reduces your heart rate and blood pressure. Watch a funny movie. Seek humor in everyday events.
Reframe your situation – Accept you may not be able to control your current predicament, but you can control your response to it. Try to find a way to put a positive spin on it.
Journal – Write a gratitude list before retiring for bed listing at least 3 things you are thankful and happy for that day. The more positive value that you see in life, the happier you become.
Meditate – Research has revealed that people who meditate daily display more positive emotions than those who do not. Close your eyes. Focus on your breath and relax. Be in the present moment.
Play – Make space in your calendar to pursue your hobbies or learn new skills that will bring you joy.
Surround yourself with positive people – Negative people can drain your energy, possibly raising your stress levels. Surround yourself with others who are positive and dependable.
Follow a healthy lifestyle – Fuel your body with a balance whole foods diet and take daily movement. Be mindful of what books you read, tv and movies you watch. It is important to feed your mind too. Eat well, move well and be well.
Positive thinking is being realistic, having faith in your abilities and trying to make the most of a bad situation. It’s looking for the upside and solutions. If you want greater confidence and self-esteem, energy, focus, improved health and sleep, cultivate a positive belief system.
Short Article Review
- Having a positive attitude is the ability to accept that there are always going to be challenges
- Positive thinking can help our brain health
- A positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations
- Positive thinking can help you better face a crisis, disappointment or trauma
- You can increase your positive thinking by different methods including smiling, reframing your situation, journaling, meditation, play, following a healthy lifestyle, and surrounding yourself with positive people
The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, investment, financial, medical or other advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed professional regarding any questions you may have.
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