Positivity can be a powerful tool. It’s not always easy to maintain a sunny disposition yet making the effort to be positive does more than improve your mood; it can help you achieve your goals and increase your life span. We’re breaking down the benefits of positivity and sharing a few tips on how to make optimism a way of life.
Positive thinking is more than a mindset, it’s a method to approach challenges in a productive manner. If you can identify what needs to change, a positive approach can make a tremendous difference. The Mayo Clinic reports that optimists recover from disappointment at a faster rate than pessimists, making it easier to move past a negative or upsetting moment. The same report also showed that optimists are more likely to engage in problem solving instead of assuming defeat.
Positive thinking not only affects your mental state, but your physical health as well.
Multiple university-based studies have reported that positive thinking supports longevity. According to a journal from the American Heart Association, people with cardiovascular issues are more likely to exercise, eat right, and defy expectations when staying optimistic. Positivity also affects short-term illnesses such as influenza.
Despite the many upsides of being positive, optimism isn’t always inherent. For many people it’s a learned skill. A negative approach to life can be reversed if positivity is pursued. Below are five vital practices to maintaining a positive outlook that can transform your everyday attitude and promote a long, happy life.
Self-appreciation:
Too often people are their own worst critics. Take a moment and reflect on the positive aspects of your day, even if it was a rocky one. Sometimes we treat ourselves far worse than we’d treat others, so take a moment for self-appreciation and celebrate life’s little victories.
Confidence:
Optimism can easily slide into an over-accepting mindset. Keep your positivity at a maximum but don’t confuse being positive with being a doormat. Motivate yourself to plan ahead, take charge, and be the captain of your own ship.
Gratitude:
Gratitude is commonly linked to positive thinking, and for good reason. People who express gratitude receive more social support, are less likely to experience depression, and report longer periods of peace and calmness in their lives. Incorporating a sense of gratitude into your daily life will bolster your ability to be an optimist.
Exercise:
A healthy body yields a healthy mind. Exercise increases the endorphins in our brains and allows us to feel better both physically and mentally. Working out has been proven to boost self-esteem and is a productive way to expel negative energy.
Laughter:
Whoever said that laughter is the best medicine was on point. Maintaining a healthy sense of humor enhances many bodily functions, both mental and physical. Laughter enhances oxygen intake, stimulates your heart, and increases endorphins. It also supports a healthy immune system and combats anxiety and depression. Loosen up, laugh, and enjoy your path as an optimist!
