A person who practices positive thinking on a daily basis has a lesser chance of dying through heart disease, stroke, infection or respiratory diseases. There are several benefits of having an optimistic outlook to life, like being better at managing stress, longer life span, fewer colds, better psychological and physical health, higher energy level and better quality of life. These would be enough reasons for someone to start opting for a positive mindset in their routine.
Here are 10 wonderful ways to practice positive thinking.
1. Start your morning with a positive note
Make it a habit to start your day off with something positive. It could be a happy playlist of songs, giving someone a compliment or even doing something nice for someone, telling yourself you are going to rock today.
2. Identify the negativity
Take a break to introspect and find out the area in which you often become negative. If you can’t really look for it, ask a friend or your parents. They would be able to offer you a better insight to it. After finding that area try to tackle it little by little.
3. Positive self-talk
Sometimes we become too hard on ourselves. This creates a negative image of yourself in your own mind. And to erase that requires a lot of energy and positive self-talk. Research shows that even a little change in the way you talk to yourself will show great results in your feelings, thoughts and behavior under stress.
4. Surround yourself with positive people
Both positivity and negativity are contagious. When you surround yourself with any of these two energies it’s likely that you might feel the same way. Being around positive people has proven to increase self esteem and the ability to reach your goals.
5. Welcome humor
It’s true that laughter is the best medicine. Research shows that humor lowers depression, anxiety and stress. In a difficult situation you need to laugh a bit even though it might be pretentious. Because that would help you improve your mood and lower your stress.
6. Maintain a gratitude journal
Jotting down the things that you are grateful for on a hard day could make you feel optimistic about life. Keeping a journal would increase your well-being and positive approach.
7. Focus on the good things
We all face challenges in our lives, and in situations like these we should focus on the little things that make us happy no matter how significantly small they might seem. Like if someone cancels a plan, focus on how now you have ample time to enjoy yourself and do things to relax you.
8. Practice gratitude
At times you can think about the people, moments, or things that bring a smile to your face. You should try and express your gratitude at least once a day. That would reduce your stress, improve your self-esteem, and foster resilience even in tough times.
9. Focus on the present
Sometimes we keep worrying about our future or bother ourselves with the past instead we should channel our energy into the present moment. You can’t manipulate the past or control your future. All that you have in your hand is the present, so keep your mind on that track.
10. Do something nice to someone
Don’t wait for people to do something to make you happy. Instead, you are that source of happiness for someone and that would in itself make you happy too. This small act of kindness would uplift your spirit. It could be any small gesture like waving, smiling, saying hello, or nodding to someone. It doesn’t have to be a massive gesture, just these minute things can make up a good day in the end.
Positive thinking is certainly not a magical wand that will make your problems disappear. But, it is surely a way to help you manage yourself better and approach your battles more productively.
Read also – 12 Effective Hacks to Manage Time