Understanding Positivity – What are the physical and mental health benefits?
Positive thinking is not wishful thinking. It’s not about ignoring reality or challenges, either. It’s about looking at things from a positive point of view. With positive thinking, you are able to see and experience circumstances through a different perspective. You expect that it will all eventually work out. It’s the positivity combined with the tone of those thoughts, feelings, or actions. Through your THOUGHTS, you may transform or notice positive aspects of a situation. Positive EMOTIONS may include happiness, contentment, and enthusiasm. Have you ever heard of random acts of kindness? Daily mantras? These are positivity put into ACTION. Positive thinking often starts with self-talk, a skill that CAN be learned! The first step is to recognize what we say to ourselves.
Identify Negative Self Talk – It’s the first step toward positivity
Common forms of negative self-talk include:
- Filtering – Magnifying the negative in a situation and tuning out any positive aspects
- Personalizing – When something bad happens, you automatically point the finger at yourself
- Catastrophizing – You automatically anticipate the worst
- Polarizing – You miss the gray area; you see things as either good or bad
Once you become aware, you can learn to turn these into more positive thinking patterns.
Remember, turning negative thinking into positive thinking takes time and practice.
Be Intentional
Like any new habit, we think about it more often at first because we’re re-training our brain. As we keep practicing, we get better at it – like when we learn to play a new sport or musical instrument. It can become second nature if we remain consistent in our practice. And be patient with yourself. It takes time, but it can be done!
Benefits of Positive Thinking
According to the Mayo Clinic, those who regularly practice positive thinking have an increased life span, show lower rates of depression, lower stress levels, greater resistance to the common cold, and better coping skills in times of stress. Studies have also demonstrated that a happy brain could improve cognition by increasing productivity and attentiveness and stimulating nerve connection growth.
Put Positive Thinking into Daily Practice – Creating daily habits
Now it’s time to play up the positive! Here are a few ways:
Smile More – The benefits will increase the more genuine it is, but studies have shown even when fake smiling during a difficult task, people feel better after completing the task. So look for the humor; spend time with those who make you laugh and smile.
Reframe your situation – Try to appreciate the good parts of your circumstances. Stuck in traffic? Be grateful you have a car. Constructively use the time; listen to a good podcast, etc.
Keep a gratitude journal – If you think this sounds a little cheesy, this is where intention comes into play. The fact that you are sitting down, taking the time to examine, and are then forced to pay attention to the good things in your life, can go a long way! Studies show that those who keep a journal are more thankful, positive, and optimistic about their future and get better sleep!
Follow a healthier lifestyle – Exercise and a healthier diet may positively affect mood and reduce stress.
Seek Help – You aren’t alone: Reach Out to Your Resources
Sometimes positive thinking isn’t the only solution. There’s no reason too small to seek help and use your resources, family, friends, or a professional if you are struggling and alone.
I am in charge of my thoughts and
I don’t judge myself
Sources:
What is Positive Thinking. www.webmd.com/mental-health/positive-thinking-overview, 2022. Accessed 3/2023
Health Benefits of Positive Thinking. Positive Thinking: Definition, Benefits, and How to Practice https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-positive-thinking-2794772 2022. Accessed 3/2023The Power of Positivity and Affirmation. https://www.uhc.com/employer/employer-resources/communication-resources/health-engagement-strategies 2022. Accessed 3/2023.
Written By:
Martha Hagmaier currently serves with BaySport as the Wellness Program Manager for the IBEW Sound and Communications, 617 and 595 since September 2021.
Before this role, I created and had global oversight of the WellbEAing initiative at Electronic Arts (EA) for over six years.
I have a BS in Human Services, with multiple certifications, including Corporate Wellness, Mental Health First Aid, Behavioral Coaching, and Personal Training. My diverse career includes the biotech and video gaming industries with roles in Sales, Health and Safety, Workplaces, and Human Resources, to name a few. I’m committed to creating healthy, engaging (read: FUN!) experiences using a holistic approach because I believe being our best selves IS possible, increasing our sense of self, and getting the most out of life!
