We all face different situations from time to time in our lives. These situations can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. This is why the concept of positive thinking becomes vital. Positive thinking (or an optimistic attitude) is the habit/practice of focusing on the good no matter situation is. However, this never means ignoring reality or making light of problems or issues. Thus, the concept tells to focus on good and bad with an intention/expectation that things will go well. This article tells you about the self-help pogramme on a positive approach for day-to-day problems.
But, first, let's talk about why we need to think positively in all circumstances.
The Need for Positive Thinking
Numerous studies have focused on the benefits of positive thinking on an individual's physical and mental health. For instance, a study carried by Claire Eagleson and colleagues from King's College London, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, London, UK, concluded that positive thinking has a far better impact on physical and mental health.
A strong link exists between health and positivity, as is indicated by additional studies. They prove that satisfaction and life outcomes are considerably improved with a positive attitude across various conditions that include brain tumours, stroke, and brain injury. Moreover, the benefits are categorized into physical and mental.
Mental benefits
- No depression
- A good mood
- Clearer thinking
- Better problem-solving skills
- Better creativity
- Better adaptive skills
- Better physical health
- Better stress management
- Better immunity against infection
- Blood pressure maintenance
- Improvised life span
- Lower heart problems.
Physical benefits:
Furthermore, researchers do not exactly know why people are engaging in optimistic thinking experience such health benefits. However, it is believed that a person can cope better with stressful conditions if confronted with a positive outlook. This reduces the unwanted effects of anxiety and stress on your body and helps you live a healthier life with more significant physical activity, following a healthier diet, and avoiding smoking.
Get Rid of Negativity First
Before practicing positive thinking, make sure to avoid any negative thoughts coming to your mind. Unless you cannot focus on the inner positivity, you have.
Filtering you're positive: you filter the positives of a situation and magnify all its negative aspects. For instance, you got promoted at your workplace for the excellent work you do. Meanwhile, you might love reading about ways to stay active during work. However, your car got some technical issues at the end of the day. You forget everything good that happened earlier and focus on one bad thing, magnifying it over and over.
Predicting catastrophes: You believe more in superstition than actuality. For example, you miss your bus to the workplace and start believing that the whole day is destined to be the same.
Polarized thinking: Your perspective of seeing things is either good or bad. There is nothing in between. You believe everything in life has to be perfected. However, this is not the case in life.
Blaming yourself: You always blame yourself for anything bad happening to you. Well! You must get out of this feeling of shame and blame. For example, your trip on Sunday is cancelled, and you start blaming yourself for the same. Remember, not everything is in your control.
Practicing Positive Thinking
Once you learn to handle negative thinking, it's time to think positively. Practice more of these to do that. Learn about some top wellness trends for 2022 that will help you stay positive all through the year.
Be thankful for everything: Remember, people out there have a far worse situation than yours. Sit down at a calm place and note down the things you are thankful for. That way, you will start paying attention to the good things in life. Grateful people feel more optimistic about the future.
Keep smiling: So, you are more thankful now! Learn to smile more, appreciate humour, and start spending time with people who make you laugh. A review published by Andrew Beamish from the University of Gothenburg concluded that people who grin more felt more positive in a stressful situation. However, if your smile is genuine, the benefit is more.
Reframe situations: Try appreciating the good things when anything bad happens in your life. Some things are not under your control. For instance, if stressed about a traffic jam, think about the convenience of having a car. Get those speakers rolling and listen to some music to enjoy yourself.
Focusing on your strengths. Everyone has some strengths and weaknesses. Start thinking about your strengths such as organization, kindness, creativity, or discipline each day. Try using your strengths in novel ways and act on those. People who focus on their strengths stay happy and lower their stress levels after a week. With time, these benefits will get going stronger.
Surround yourself with optimistic people: It is vital to surround yourself with the ones who are positive and supportive—the ones you can depend on for some feedback and healthy advice. Your stress levels may get increased by surrounding yourself with negative people.
Wrapping up
Don't expect to become an optimist overnight if your outlook is negative. With self-practice, you will stop criticizing yourself and accept yourself. Get rid of all the negative thoughts that stop you from being positive. Try to become less critical of the people and world around you.
With an optimistic state of mind, you can handle stress more orderly. This will help you achieve your life goals and avoid ailments that may stop your growth. So, act today and be a better one of yourself.
