The Power of Positive Thinking

You’ve likely heard the term ‘positive thinking’ before. What’s your opinion on it? Do you think it’s a pipe dream, or do you believe it’s possible to become optimistic by simply trying to remain so?

In short, positive thinking is a practice like many other healthy habits, like meditation, exercise, and more. It can help shift mindsets, which can, in turn, have many other benefits, such as relaxation, happiness, and contentment.

So, how do we practice positive thinking? Here are some thoughts on the matter.

Apply Positive Thinking Every Day

Positive thinking means approaching unpleasant situations more positively and constructively. You expect the best, not the worst, to happen.

Self-talk, also known as the continuous stream of unsaid thoughts through your brain, is a strong catalyst for positive thinking. These thoughts might be either pleasant or negative; they may be logical, irrational, deep-seated, and can come from misconceptions you acquire due to a lack of information.

If you tend to be a bit more pessimistic—that’s not a bad thing. However, it’s doable if you want to change your mindset; it simply takes practice.

Being Positive Helps Stress Levels

Scientists are still exploring the connection between positive thinking and health. Positive thinking appears to lead to these health benefits, but it is unclear why. According to one theory, a positive outlook helps you cope better with stressful situations, decreasing stress’s harmful effects on your body. A few health benefits resulting from positive thinking include:

• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress
• Greater resistance to the common cold
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Better cardiovascular health
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

Don’t Confuse Positive Thinking With Toxic Positivity

Have you heard of toxic positivity? It’s being optimistic to the point of complete and utter denial of what is going on. While it’s important not to let negative thoughts get you down, it is self-sabotaging to turn the other cheek when something’s wrong.

If you avoid conflict, let others blaze through your boundaries, or don’t believe you have leadership skills, this could be a sign of toxic positivity. On the more extreme end of the spectrum, it could look like being mistreated in the workplace but not addressing it for fear of losing the position or tolerating an abusive relationship to give the other person the benefit of the doubt.

While it’s good to see the other side of making it past challenges like these, it’s essential to recognize the difference.

Practice Optimism Often

So, how do you apply optimism and positive thinking to your routine?

Start with one basic principle: never say something to yourself that you wouldn’t say to others.

Stop and think about what you’re feeling during the day. If you realize that your thoughts are primarily negative, attempt to consider turning them around.

Permit yourself to laugh at things. Allow yourself to smile or chuckle, especially when things are stressful.

Make sure the people in your life are supportive and encouraging and that you can count on them for sound advice and comments.

Because I believe in the best of humanity, I take the time to share warm attitudes with others. If you require assistance, I am available. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.