Positive thinking, or an optimistic outlook, is the habit of concentrating on the positive aspects of any set of circumstances. It can significantly affect your physical and emotional wellbeing. That does not mean that you overlook reality or ignore issues. It simply implies that you face both the pleasant and the terrible in life with optimism.
The mechanism underlying the link between optimism and health remains unclear, but researchers believe that those who are more optimistic may be better protected against the inflammatory damage induced by stress. Another explanation is that positivity and hope encourage people to improve their health and life decisions and concentrate more on long-term objectives. Additionally, research indicates that negative feelings can diminish the immune response.
However, there is a strong correlation between cheerfulness and health. Additional research has demonstrated that an optimistic mindset increases outcomes and life satisfaction across a variety of conditions.
The advantages of positive thinking
Physical benefits
- Longer lifespan
- Improved cardiovascular health and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke-related mortality
- Improved psychological and physical health
- Greater resistance to illnesses
- Lower blood pressure
- Better tolerable pain
- Reduced mortality risk from cancer, respiratory symptoms, and infections
Mental benefits
- Lower depression rates
- More creativity
- Increased problem-solving skills
- Brighter thinking
- Superior quality of emotion
- Better coping skills
- More effective stress management
How to enhance your positive outlooks
Although a positive attitude is our real characteristic and cannot be easily changed, there are some things you can do to improve your outlook and lessen your risk of developing unhealthy conditions.
Consider what needs to be changed
Identify the parts of your life that you frequently criticize. Then, you can begin by focusing on a particular area that you can positively approach. Consider a positive rather than a negative thinking to manage your tension.
Investigate yourself
Throughout the day, you should scan your thoughts. If you discover that the majority of your ideas are negative, make an effort to reframe them positively.
Smile more
During difficult times, heart rate and blood pressure can be reduced when people smile, even if it’s a fake smile. Also, they seem to have a better mood, especially when they have a genuine smile. So, try to find more ways to laugh because whenever you laugh, you will feel less tense.
Follow a healthier way of life
Physical activity can improve emotions and alleviate stress. Follow a nutritious diet to power your body and mind. Get a good quality of sleep and learn how to handle stress.
Find upbeat people to spend time with
Ensure that you have access to a group of people you can rely on for guidance and feedback. Negative people may raise your anxiety level and cause you to doubt your capacity to deal with stress in a smart way.
Reframe your perspective
Instead of getting annoyed when something horrible happens that is out of your hands, try to embrace the positive aspects of that scenario.
Write down your gratitude daily
When you list the things for which you are grateful, you are compelled to focus on the positive aspects of your life. A study revealed that those who kept gratitude diaries felt more grateful, cheerful, and hopeful about the future. Also, they are likely to get a better quality of rest.
Picture your brighter potential future
Create an ideal plan outlining your future, and it will be easier for you to boost your spirits on a moment-to-moment basis by visualizing a positive future outcome.
Focus on what you’re good at
Consider one of your own unique strengths. Specify how you want to utilize this strength in novel ways. Then, take action. It can promote your satisfaction and decrease your psychological distress.
Develop resiliency
Resilience is the willingness to adjust to adverse circumstances and setbacks. Maintaining solid relationships with family and peers, realizing that change is a natural part of life, and taking action on troubles as opposed to wishing they went away or waiting for them to fix themselves are the most essential aspects of developing your own resilience.
Engage in positive self-talk
Begin by adhering to one basic rule: never say something to yourself that you wouldn’t say to others. Be positive and compassionate with yourself. If an unpleasant notion comes into your head, assess it logically and confront it by focusing on your good characteristics. Consider the things in your life for which you are grateful.
When your disposition is generally upbeat. You are more able to effectively deal with daily pressure. This characteristic may lead to a lot of health advantages associated with optimistic thinking.
A healthy attitude is contagious but don’t wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier. – Tom Stoppard