THE BENEFITS OF A GOOD ATTITUDE

What are the causes?

Self-sabotaging behaviors are often the cause, as they are deeply ingrained and difficult to recognize. Once you identify them, notice how hard it is to accept them.

However, remember that by recognizing these behaviors, you will have taken the first step towards changing your attitude.

Also, remember that you don't have to do this alone. Friends and loved ones and trained therapists can all offer support.

THE BENEFITS OF A GOOD ATTITUDE

Are you more of a glass half empty or half full type?

Studies have shown that both can impact your physical and mental health, and thinking positive is the best of both.

Optimistic people with a good attitude have a lower level of risk of dying from several leading causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, infection, and respiratory disease.

Other proven benefits of positive thinking include, better quality of life, higher energy levels, better psychological and physical health, faster recovery from injury or illness, fewer colds, lower depression, better stress management and coping skills and longer lifespan.

Positive thinking isn't magic, and it won't make all your problems go away. This will make problems more manageable and help you approach difficulties in a more positive and productive way.

Below, you will find a series of tips to get you started with positive thinking:

1. How to think positively: positive thinking can be achieved through a few different techniques that have been shown to be effective, such as autosuggestion and positive imagery.

Here are some tips to get you started that can help train your brain to think positively.

• Concentrate on the good things: difficult situations and obstacles are part of life. When faced with it, focus on the good things, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

• Practice recognition: Practicing gratitude has been shown to reduce stress, improve self-esteem and promote resilience, even in very difficult times.

Think of people, times, or things that bring you comfort or happiness, and try to express your gratitude at least once a day.

It could be thanking a co-worker for helping with a project, a loved one for washing the dishes, or your dog for the unconditional love they give you.

• Hang out with positive people: negativity and positivity have proven to be contagious. Consider the people you spend time with.

Have you noticed how one person in a bad mood can knock almost everyone in a room down? A positive person has the opposite effect on others.

Being around positive people has been shown to improve self-esteem and increase your chances of achieving your goals.

Surround yourself with people who can uplift you and help you see the bright side of things.

• Practice a positive inner dialogue: we tend to be the hardest on ourselves and our own worst critics. Over time, this can cause you to form a negative opinion, of yourself that can be hard to shake.

To stop this, you will need to pay attention to the voice in your head and respond with positive messages, also known as positive self-talk.

• Identify your negative points: Take a good look at the different areas of your life and identify those in which you tend to be the most negative.

Not sure?

Ask a trusted friend or colleague. Chances are they'll be able to offer some insight.

A colleague may notice that you tend to be negative at work. Your spouse may notice that you become particularly negative while driving. It is suggested that you tackle one area at a time.

• Start each day on a positive note: create a ritual where you start each day with something uplifting and positive.

For example, tell yourself it's going to be a great day, listen to a positive tune, or share some positivity by giving a compliment or doing something nice for someone.

• How to think positively when everything is going wrong: trying to be positive when you're grieving or experiencing other serious distress can seem impossible. During these times, it is important to relieve yourself of the pressure to find a consoling or hopeful perspective.

Positive thinking is not about burying all your negative thoughts or emotions or avoiding difficult feelings. The lowest moments in our lives are often the ones that motivate us to move on and make positive changes.

When you're going through a time like this, try to see yourself as a good friend in need of comfort and sound advice.

What would you tell her or him?

You'll likely acknowledge her or his feelings and remind her or him that she or he has every right to feel sad or angry about her or his situation, then offer your support by gently reminding her or him that things will get better.

2. The side effects of negative thoughts: Negative thinking and the many feelings that can accompany it, such as pessimism, stress, and anger, can cause several physical symptoms and increase your risk of disease and a longer lifespan.

Stress and other negative emotions trigger several processes in our body, including the release of stress hormones and certain immune functions.

Long periods of stress increase inflammation in your body which is implicated in several serious illnesses. Some of the symptoms of stress include headaches, body aches, nausea, chronic fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

On the other hand, cynicism, stress, anger, and hostility have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and dementia.

3. When to see a doctor: if you feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts and have trouble controlling your emotions, see a doctor.

You may benefit from medical help, such as positive psychology or therapy. Persistent negative thoughts may be caused by an underlying psychiatric condition that requires treatment.

One thing to remember, don't expect to undo years of pessimism and negative thinking overnight, but with a little practice you can learn to approach things with a more positive outlook.