Have you ever been told, “think positive” or “look at the positive of the situation”? Well, many pieces of research show that positive thoughts do affect your mental and physical health in a very positive way. These studies prove that positive thinkers tend to be less stressed, healthier, and have better overall health. Well, setbacks are a part of life, but having an optimistic approach can help you deal in a better way. If you’ve ever been told, “Be positive, think positive,” you’re at the right place. Here we’ll talk about the effects of positive thoughts on mental health and how you can think positive. Let’s have a look.
Effects of Positive Thoughts on Your Life
- Reduce Depression
One of the benefits of a positive attitude is that you tend to be less depressed. The thing about optimists is that they would focus on the good, even in adverse situations. For example, if they face an accident, they would say, “I’m glad I’m alive, or it could be worse.” Having a focus on the positive helps to reduce the risk of anxiety, depression, or other such mental health problems.
- Improve Self Esteem
Positive thoughts will help you look at the positive side of everything, including yourself. When you start thinking positively, you start seeing your strengths. This enables you to develop a positive self-image and improve your self-esteem.
- Attract New Friends
Positive thinking can work like a magnet, attracting more and more people to join. When you smile and speak positively, you’re more likely to instill a positive attitude in others as well. People inspired by your optimism will want to become your friends.
- Better Physical Health
Multiple researches show that optimistic people tend to live longer because they have a lower risk of developing physical health concerns like heart disease and others. Positive thinking helps you look at the positive side, and you tend to stay calm at all times, which means no pressure on your mind and heart.
Tips: How to Think Positive
If you think you have a habit of thinking negatively, here are a few things that could help you out and push you to grow. How to think positive when depressed? Let’s have a look.
- Write Your Blessings
Keep a gratitude journal and write down your blessings every day. This will help you look at the silver linings of the situation even when everything seems bad. Over time, you’ll develop a habit of looking at the good even when things aren’t going your way!
- Say Positive Affirmations
Think of positive things in your mind, and then be loud in saying them. You can speak out positive lines like “I can do this,” “nothing is impossible,” etc. You’ll be surprised at how this works!
- Join Positive Company
Even if you don’t realize it, being around negative people can hinder positive thinking. You’ll be thinking about how your friends do at the end of the day. So surround yourself with people who see the cup as half full rather than half empty.
- Do Things You Like
Make time for the things you love, whether it’s cooking, writing, painting, or exercise. Doing what you enjoy is a simple way of getting out of negativity. Also, this helps you to see life from a positive perspective.
The Bottom Line
While we may not believe it, positive thinking benefits are more than you imagine and have much to do with your mental health. Practice positive thinking with the tips above and see your life change for the better! Although, if this is challenging for you after facing a trauma, you can consult a professional for help.