Positive Thinking
Positive thinking is more than a tagline. It changes the way we behave,
it’s the first step to becoming a happier person. It’s not about
expecting the best to happen every time but accepting that whatever
happens is the best for this moment. It gives us strength to fight
against the odds and uphold our hopes even in the gloomiest
situations.
It is essential to understand that our thoughts are very powerful. They
shape our day, they shape our life. A single positive thought in the
morning can brighten up our day and inject a boost of energy. It can
inspire us, motivate us and steer us towards a right path. And these
thoughts, when shared, have the power to inspire a whole community.
As we look around, we see successful people, people who have carved
a niche for themselves in their respective fields. All of them have one
thing in common – a positive attitude towards life. They took failures
as a stepping stone to success and persevered, with a positive mind.
This is the power of positive thinking.
Keep your face always towards the sunshine – and
shadows will fall behind you.
How to Practice Positive Thinking
1. Engage in Positive Self-Talk
Positive thinking usually begins with self-talk, the flow of thoughts that go through
your head without being spoken aloud. Self-talk can be optimistic or pessimistic,
logical or emotional. Perhaps you are wondering how to change your thoughts from
negative to positive. You can develop a habit of positive self-talk by adhering to a
simple rule: Don't say things to yourself that you would never say to a friend or loved
one. Be as accepting, understanding, gentle, and encouraging with yourself as you
would be with someone you hold dear.
2. Identify Areas for Improvement
While practicing positive self-talk and being more conscious of all you're thankful for,
you will naturally encounter plenty of negative thoughts. When negative thoughts
inevitably pop into your head, examine them from a logical perspective. When we
have negative thoughts, our brains may be telling us something is wrong, but instead
of beating yourself up, brainstorm ways to improve or build yourself up by reminding
yourself of your positive attributes. And if you evaluate the negative thought and
conclude it's illogical or not serving you and your happiness, try reframing it in a
more positive light.
3. Spend Time with Positive People
It's no secret that the people we surround ourselves with profoundly influence our
lives. Our relationships can impact everything from our physical health to our mental
well-being. When you are around optimistic people, their good attitude can rub off on
you. Being around positive people can help you to see the glass as half full rather
than half empty. Optimistic people tend to be more fun to be around and can help
you enjoy life more. They may also help you to stay motivated when times are tough.
Nothing can derail your efforts to develop a more positive outlook like
Negative Nellies and Debbie Downers, so make an effort to spend time with
positive people.
5. Remember to Laugh
For those trying to maintain a positive attitude, laughter can be a valuable tool.
Laughter has been shown to boost mood, reduce stress, and even improve immune
function. When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, which have natural mood-
elevating properties. Laughter also helps to distract us from negative thoughts
and worry, and learning to laugh when life tries to break us down can build
resilience. And remember, laughter is contagious, so if you're feeling down, try
spending time with friends or family who can make you laugh. You'll soon find that
your outlook on life is much sunnier when you take the time to chuckle every day.
6. Treat Your Self
It's important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. When you make
time for self-care, you're investing in your overall health and well-being. And while it
may seem like a luxury, treating yourself to some self-care can actually help promote
a positive mindset. When you take care of yourself, you're sending the message
that you're worth taking care of, which helps to boost your self-esteem and
confidence. Plus, taking care of yourself can help reduce stress and anxiety. When
you make time for self-care, you're investing in your future health and happiness. So
go ahead and book that massage, take a relaxing bath, or treat yourself to a new
book or outfit. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
8. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without
judgment. It can help us become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and
surroundings and positively impact our mental and physical well-being. For example,
it can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. It can also improve
our focus, memory, and sleep quality. In addition, mindfulness has been linked to
several physical health benefits, including lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of
heart disease. By practicing mindfulness regularly, we can learn to be more present
and focus on the positive aspects of our lives, promoting a more positive mindset
and helping us to lead happier and healthier lives. You can practice mindfulness by
taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing and noticing any physical
sensations or thoughts that arise without judgment. Or, try a guided meditation or a
yoga class to help increase your mindfulness skills.
9. Avoid Negative Language (Most dangerous)
Our words have power. The language we use can affect our mood and how we think
about ourselves and others. Negative language, such as gossiping or complaining,
can lead to a negative mindset. On the other hand, using positive language can help
to promote a positive mindset. When we focus on positive words and affirming
statements, it can help us to see the good in ourselves and others. It can also allow
us to feel more optimistic about the future. So next time you're tempted to gossip or
complain, take a moment to consider the impact of your words.
10. Be Curious
Being curious has many benefits. It can help promote a positive mindset, increase
knowledge and understanding, and provide a sense of satisfaction. We are more
likely to explore new ideas and concepts when we are curious. We are also more
likely to be open-minded and receptive to new information. Additionally,
curiosity can lead to greater creativity and problem-solving ability. So, if you
want to improve your mind, start by being more curious. Ask questions, seek out new
experiences, and never stop learning.
11. Practice Gratitude (Most Important)
Practicing gratitude is an important aspect of positive self-talk that deserves its own
entry on our list. It's easy to dwell on the negative things in life. We all have stressors
and problems that can seem insurmountable at times. But if we take a step back and
think about the things, we're thankful for, it can help us to maintain a positive attitude.
Make it a habit to remind yourself of what you are grateful for daily. You could keep a
gratitude journal and update it each evening before bed. For example, you might be
thankful for your family, your health, your job, or your home. Or maybe you're
grateful for more minor things, like a sunny day or a good cup of coffee. Whatever it
is, taking a moment to appreciate the good can help to chase away the bad.
In conclusion, we must embed this thought in our mind – it’s not the
situation, but how we react to it that matters at the end. Let’s embrace
positivity, cast aside negative thoughts, and march towards a bright
and successful future. Remember, it all starts with a single positive
thought.
Keep your face always towards the sunshine – and
shadows will fall behind you.”
Be Positive and Count your Blessings.