4 Ways To Harness The Power of Positive Thinking

Can your outlook on life truly affect your quality of life – or even your longevity? The answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

Studies have shown a definite connection between a person’s positive attitude and their health. Carol Ryff, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has shown that a higher sense of mental well-being correlates with lower levels of inflammation, lower levels of stress hormones, and lower cardiovascular risk…in other words, a healthier you.

Having an optimistic outlook on your life may keep you from catching a cold and give you better coping abilities during times of hardship. Although it can be difficult at times, focusing on the silver lining not only helps you feel better immediately, it will affect your health long-term. Simply put, positive thinking can be positively healing.

1) Talk To Yourself

We promise we won’t think you’re crazy. But, the idea of “self-talk” is something you do almost every minute of every day without even realizing it…and it can directly impact how positively or negatively you perceive the world and your life.

You probably have a million positive and/or negative thoughts that run through your head every day. If you already practice positive thinking (“I’ll give it another try.”), you are well on your way to living a longer and happier life. But it’s crucial that you analyze the negative thoughts, too. For instance, if you say something like, “I might as well just give up,” stop and think: why am I feeling this way? Why is this inspiring something negative in me? Your human psychosis is a fascinating thing and your thoughts can stem from many places. It’s important to get to the bottom of why you feel negatively about certain things.

But not to worry?

You can learn to be a positive thinker and reap the benefits! Ultimately, the more you know about yourself, the more you can understand yourself and start making change happen.

2) Get Inspired

Daily life can be overwhelming. You have thousands of things to do, places to be, people to see…it can be easy to forget why you’re pursuing the life that you are. Allow your heart to be open to daily inspirations and you’ll find them where you least expect them. Whether it be in a quote you find on Pinterest, an article about someone’s achievements, or a heartfelt conversation with a friend, you’ll recognize that joyful stirring in your heart almost immediately. Those moments will do more than just get your through the day–they’ll inspire you with an overall happier outlook on life.

3) Take Time For Yourself

With all of the seemingly endless tasks that fill up your day, it’s incredibly easy to forget that the person carrying all of that weight is, well, YOU! And that person deserves time, every day, to withdraw for a moment and rest. Try meditating, praying, napping or just taking a walk outside in nature. Even if it’s as little as five minutes, your well-being will benefit greatly from simply shutting off the noise and taking the necessary time to do something for you.

4) Be Thankful

Oftentimes, when we’re rushing around and things don’t turn out as we want them to, it’s tempting to be dissatisfied with your current situation. Pausing to think about those things you do have, however, will keep things in perspective and help you to appreciate the good things that really do exist in your life.

One way to do this is with a Gratitude Journal. Writing down what you are thankful for and revisiting those entries on occasion will increase your happiness. Interestingly enough, writing in the journal just one or two times a week has more benefits than writing everyday. This article gives some good tips if you want to start a journal of your own.

It is an age-old concept to create good things with good thoughts. And to count one’s blessings. And to believe in oneself. All these actions will create a happier and more fulfilled you.