Guest post by Jana Hartley from A Doctor and a Nurse
Accentuating the positive is much easier said than done. The truth is positive thinking does not come naturally. In fact, for most, it is a learned behavior. Yet, when you see the results of studies on human behavior you will find that positive thinking leads to a healthier lifestyle. How can be reap the health benefits of positive thinking? Here are some simple steps to learn how to begin the process of positive thinking:
How To Be Positive
- Begin your day with positive self talk: Encourage yourself with self affirmations. Say things like: “I am awesome” “I am going to have a great day” “I can do anything.” Powerful thoughts will set the tone for you throughout the day.
- Exercise: Exercising three times per week or more has been shown to decrease depression and lower stress. Treadmill smiles anyone?
- Check your attitude at the door: Before you cross the threshold towards the stressors that consume your world, check your attitude. The more conscious you are about your attitude the easier it will be to cope with stressful situations.
- Seek humor: Look for the humor and seek laughter every day. Laughter has been shown to reduce stress and help us cope. It is easier to look at the bright side of any situation when there is a smile upon our lips.
- Surround yourself with positive people: Negativity spreads like wildfire. Make sure that you are choosing people in your life that will validate your need for positive thinking.
Once positive thinking is a component of your day to day life you will immediately start to see the health benefits. 
Healthy Outcomes of Positive Thinking
- People who accentuate the positive live longer. Yes, studies show that people with positive attitudes add about 10 years onto their life.
- Positive thinkers have lower rates of depression.
- Those with optimistic attitudes have fewer colds.
- People with positive attitudes have greater success in school and in their jobs.
- Looking on the brighter side leads to better physical and mental health.
- Positive people have stronger and more successful relationships.
Positive thinking is just one small part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Yet, it may be the single most important thing you learn to do. Now that you know how to do it, let’s “accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, and latch on to the affirmative…” and experience the power of positive thinking.
Read more from A Doctor and a Nurse.
How has the power of positive thinking impacted your life? Share the good news in the comments section below.
Feature photo via istockphoto.com
Photo 2 via istockphoto.com
Positive thinking is SO SO SO HARD during deployments — everyone in my little military town seems to be cranky or depressed — but I relish the fact that a little positive thinking makes all the difference =) For me it took exercise, blogging, and nixing any and all toxic/negative friendships to make the most of my situation and I’m so so glad I did =) I’m with ya 100% on this!
Jenn, Way to go! Thank you so much for what you do for our country. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated..both that of your husband and yours as well. I imagine it must be so hard during times of separation. I am so glad you are able to accentuate the positive. Most certainly you have something to be so proud of. Thank you, Jana
Great post! I have been working to feel more positive through expressing gratitude, which is associated with good mental health. It is interesting how are minds and bodies are so connected.
Jana, I love seeing you out here at BSW! And you already know how much I believe in the POWER of the mind, but I’ll say it again – our thoughts create our lives! Love to see you spreading the good word 🙂
Great to see you here too Sabrina. You are so right that our thought create our lives. I see the difference it makes in peoples lives every day in my work. Those who face difficulty with positivity find joy in even the difficult things life brings. I once had a leukemia patient who said to me “It is definitely better for someone like me to get this disease than some other people. I enjoy being confined to my room with a good book!” I loved him! Anyway, happy thoughts, Jana
I am SUCH a BIG believe in the power of positive thinking! It really does work….try it!! Great article!!