Easy Ways to Build Optimism and Fight Anxiety

By Stepy Kamei

Mental health professionals have been telling us for years how important it is to stay optimistic and keep a positive attitude no matter how anxious we get or what obstacles life throws at us. If we're being honest, at times this method of self-care is definitely easier said than done. It can be challenging to remain optimistic in the face of the tough challenges life can present to us on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it's much easier for us get and stay in a negative mindset.

According to many psychiatrists, mental health care professionals, and physical healthcare providers, people who remain stuck in patterns of negative thinking tend to have a higher likelihood of experiencing more health issues affecting the body as well as the mind. Chronic anxiety is one of the most common consequences of a pessimistic and negative mindset. Therefore, it's in your best interest to learn more about the many ways in which you can promote a more optimistic outlook in your life for the sake of your overall health and well-being.

Why Do We Lean Towards the Negative?

It's a strange concept to wrap your mind around -- if negative feelings are bad for our health, why does it seem so easy to get caught up in negativity? As it turns out, negativity is something our brains are hard-wired to be "attracted" to, in a sense.

Psychologists refer to this strange phenomenon as human negativity bias. Essentially, it means that our brains are more ready to pay close attention to something that is negative, scary, or threatening, as opposed to something that is positive, optimistic, and uplifting. The roots of this mindset have to do with survival -- in the earliest days of humanity, it was crucial to survival to constantly be aware of any threats that may be lurking nearby.

Unfortunately, this instinct isn't really helpful in the modern world, yet it still looms over our minds. So, when you find yourself getting caught up in negative thought patterns, know that it's purely an evolutionary reaction, but that you can do something to stop it.

Staying Positive

Identifying your negative thoughts is one of the best things you can do when starting out on your journey to living a more optimistic lifestyle. Simply recognizing these thoughts is an important first step in stopping yourself from ruminating on the negative for too long. Trying out new ways of thinking is the key to moving past upsetting thought patterns. The next time you find yourself stressing over something negative, take the time to stop, notice your thoughts, then focus on something more uplifting instead. In time, regularly practicing positive thought patterns can reduce your overall anxiety and health in general.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Monroe, La.