The Impact of Positive Thinking
An optimist’s approach to better living.
Positive thoughts are the kryptonite to our negative energy. They can hold the answers we are looking for, if only we cared enough about ourselves to search.
We all know how hurtful our own minds can be as we judge away and make tremendous excuses not to be productive, but if we were positive for just one day, would that make a difference? The answer in short- yes!
Our minds are a powerful thing and if you can overcome your bad habits that put yourself down, then you can soon learn that, anything is just about possible.
Those of us who have positive attitudes are more inclined to try out brand new challenges and are quick to take up learning a new skill. We are also more likely to be able to build friendships and lasting relationships.
When you hone in on one type of energy, that energy then multiplies and can affect you tremendously. So, if you knew that your negative thoughts would give you a poor outcome and you knew that your positive thoughts would lead to something you’ve always wanted, which would you choose? Exactly.
Yet so many of us still put ourselves down every step of our goal achieving paths. Don’t get me wrong, being self-critical can also be a great tool for finding out what doesn't work for you, but there's no need to be so down on yourself. Instead do what Missy Elliot would do, flip it and reverse it.
You might not be good at something but you can find ways of improving yourself or finding ways of doing something that is unique to you.
You might not be good at one thing but you could be amazing at something else, let that amazing shine through.
Can it help with depression?
I’m not a medical expert of any kind, but for the purpose of this article I have done my fair share of research.
Just Check out this article by www.medbroadcast.com that highlights how negative thoughts can contribute greatly to a person’s mood. In the article it highlights Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) which is used to treat mild cases of depression.
CBT involves working with a therapist to look at false thoughts that may have negative effects on your mood and behaviour. In people with depression, most will automatically think negatively about a given situation, and this can have a major effect on their mood. — www.medbroadcast.com
Throughout CBT training, a therapist will attempt to weed out all the false negative thoughts and will then try and replace these with realistic and positive ones. By doing so, it helps a person combat those stressful situations they might find themselves in.
Okay, but will it help with stress and anxiety?
In this day and age, stress has become the norm. It’s almost as if it’s the tell-tale of reaching adulthood.
You’ve probably heard the phrase “think positive thoughts,” when trying to overcome a difficult situation. As cliché as that statement is, there is still some truth to it.
Being an optimist doesn't mean you won’t get hit by those inevitable fails in life. It does mean however, that you will be able to tackle them head on in a more positive and constructive way.
Those with an optimistic overview tend to blame external circumstances for failures whereas pessimists tend to blame themselves.
Positive thinkers are able to deal with their unfortunate circumstances by fixing their issues without limiting their opportunities.
Studies by Andrews and colleagues (2008) have shown that women and men who are happier and have more positive thoughts and feelings usually experience lower levels of stress hormone cortisol(this hormone is also responsible for harming the immune system, among other things). So the results basically suggest that the way you think effects on how you manage stress. — www.bmmagazine.co.uk
Are there any health benefits?
Well, we already know that positive thinking can help with stress, anxiety and even depression but let’s have a look to see what the other health benefits are.
There have been some studies that have focused on how positive thinking can impact a person’s immune system.
There have been some studies that focus on how positive thinking can help with a person’s own longevity, one of which has come from the University of Queensland. In a study led by Dr Elise Kalokerinos, she looks at how those who focus more on the positives had a stronger immune system.
Participants were shown a series of positive and negative photos, which they were later asked to recall, and their immune function was also measured through a series of blood tests.
Participants who recalled more positive than negative images had antibodies in their blood suggesting stronger immune systems than those of their counterparts, who did not show this positivity in memory.
By selectively remembering the positive, older adults seem to boost their immune functioning just when they need it the most. — A University of Queensland study, led by Dr Elise Kalokerinos
Are there any professional advantages?
When you think all positive thoughts whilst working, this can help you stay motivated throughout the day. In turn this will help you work better with others.
Work can already be a stressful environment so when we take what we’ve learned about reducing our levels of stress from positive thinking, the work environment doesn’t seem as stressful any more.
By increasing your energy levels with positive thinking you become more alert and better equipped to perform your day to day tasks, which means a natural boost in productivity.
A positive mind-set can help you confidently make clearer and better decisions.
Positive thinkers are also able to take feedback as an opportunity to grow and develop. Feedback is the perfect way of identifying strengths and weaknesses, allowing the optimists to become the best of the best.
We can all do with a bit of a push when it comes to self-care and I truly hope that what you’ve read today will help you make the decision to have a more optimistic approach to daily tasks.
It may be difficult at first so start off small. Give yourself the push you need to get you to where you need to be in your career. Continue with it to help you see out those dark and stressful days and push through it to take in all the health benefits.