Improve Your Health With a Positive Attitude
By Paul Rothbart
Most people are aware that negative thinking can hinder their progress in work, relationships, or any other aspect of their lives. The power of positive thinking is a true force for productivity. What many don't know is that your attitude can also impact your health. Science shows that negativity can be harmful to your health while positivity can boost it. Fortunately, you don't have to be a born optimist to change your attitude to a positive one.
Positive Thinking Benefits
There are many ways that maintaining a positive attitude can improve your overall health. Although the reasons it works are not 100 percent clear, it is believed that staying positive reduces stress, thus lessening the negative effects it has on health. People who stay upbeat tend to have an easier time maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Positive thinking also reduces the risk of depression and other mental health issues. An improved attitude can increase longevity as well as boost the immune system. People who think positively also demonstrate a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Recognizing Negative Thinking
To avoid negative thinking, one must know how to identify it. One of the most common signs is catastrophic thinking. When something doesn't go your way, you automatically assume it will lead to the worst possible outcome. Coupled with this is a tendency to overlook the positive aspects of a situation and only focus on the negative ones, even if they are minimal. Another common sign of negative thinking is the all-or-nothing approach. Everything is either great or terrible with no in-between. If you find yourself exhibiting these signs, it's time to change your thinking.
Change Your Attitude to Positive
Once you have identified that you do think negatively, determine when those thoughts occur. What situations trigger them? Once you have identified things that bring about negativity, you can work on them one at a time. A great way to start is to never say anything about yourself that you wouldn't say about a family member or close friend. Encourage yourself the way you would encourage others. Being around positive people is another good way to change your thinking. Positivity can be infectious and others can help boost your spirits. Laughter is one of the best ways to improve your attitude. Spend time with friends you find funny and can joke with. Watch your favorite comedic films and sitcoms. Laughter can help you think positively and contribute to your health.
In the quest for good health, a positive attitude can be one of your greatest allies. Be mindful of negative thought patterns and take steps to turn them into a positive attitude. It can go a long way toward improving your overall health as well as your quality of life.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mesquite, Tex.