I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” but positive thinking really does have more power than we give it credit for. The way we think is connected to our actions and behaviors, thus positive thinking is linked to more positive outcomes.
This article lists 6 specific ways that positive thinking can change the likelihood of you having a better life, and how exactly that happens.
More Confidence: When you think positively you are more prone to think highly of yourself. It is challenging not to have a positive perception of yourself and your abilities when your mindset is primed to focus on the good in yourself and others, as well as potential positive outcomes versus negative outcomes.
When you have a positive mindset, you see more of the good you possess which causes you to have a higher opinion of yourself and your willingness to take risks and try new things as a result often leads to more success.
Less Stress: People who think more positively tend to be better at managing stress in their lives. When stressful situations arise, their positive mindset causes them to focus on dealing with and alleviating the stress rather than assuming nothing is within their control. Additionally, a positive mindset often means individuals who are less likely to dwell on negative thoughts meaning a lower likelihood of experiencing stress.
More Motivation: Thinking good thoughts can also mean more motivation. When you think positively, the reward centers of the brain are activated which gives you a mental boost. This mental boost can lead to you making more of an effort in your life due to your belief in your own abilities as well as a belief in positive outcomes.
Better Relationships: People who are more positive tend to have more fulfilling and meaningful relationships with other people. Other people are usually drawn to people who are positive and desire to spend more time with them.
This means positive people generally have more active social lives because they contribute positively to the lives of others. And while more relationships don’t always equate to good quality relationships, the lack of negativity positive people project on others is generally replaced by encouragement and support which makes people feel closer to them and more fulfilled.
More Resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges and hardships.
When you think positively you are more likely to be resilient. Thinking the best causes, you to see hardships as temporary and as learning experiences rather than internalizing them and resorting to feeling out of control. This helps you better cope with stressors and recover from them in a healthy manner.
Better Health: Research has shown that people who think positively live longer and enjoy better health than those who do not. The impact of negative thinking on the body is increased stress levels which leads to a rise in harmful cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body.
Elevated cortisol levels can lead to health problems such as poor mental health, sleep problems, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and chronic pain ailments, among others. Thus, a reduction of negative thoughts means improved mental and physical health.
Thinking positively can be quite beneficial in the short and long term. Not only can you expect to see mental and physical health benefits, but your relationships and achievements can also be enhanced as a result of changing the way you think for the better.
References:
Power of Positivity. (2021, January 27). 20 benefits that come from the power of positive thinking. Power of Positivity: Positive Thinking & Attitude. https://www.powerofpositivity.com/power-of-positive-thinking-benefits/
Soleil, V., B.A., & LL.B. (2020, November 7). 7 key benefits of positive thinking. Learning Mind. https://www.learning-mind.com/7-key-benefits-of-positive-thinking/
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