5 Proven Benefits of Positive Thinking

September 28, 2022

The advice to think positively during tough times may seem cliché, but there is significant research showing that positive thinking brings positive change to any situation. Many great things in life come with a catch, and the same goes for positive thinking. Positive thinking is not always easy and takes a lot of practice for most people. That is because if the mind has already been trained to think negatively, it needs to be retrained to think in a positive direction, which can be a long, arduous process. On the bright side, retraining the brain is possible and immensely beneficial.

Positive thinking Encourages Stronger Relationships

Negative thinking tends to have a detrimental impact on relationships as one will tend to have negative interpretations of events and view other people in a negative way. To maintain strong and healthy relationships, it is better to think positively and express positive emotions to others. Positive thinking and expression helps to develop compassion for oneself and for others, which also causes one to view the world through a more compassionate lens. Positive thinking in relationships has a dramatic effect on improving and strengthening them. Along with increased compassion, there will be more understanding, kindness, and cooperation. Positive thinking impacts all relationships including family, work, and community, ultimately leading to the utmost satisfaction within these relationships.

Positive Thinking Brings Strength To The Body

Thinking positively strengthens the body. It not only affects ones mental health but also adds strength to the body and is hugely beneficial for one's physical health as well. Positive thinking reduces stress hormones by releasing neurohormones, which encourages the body to heal itself. A lowered immune system and many diseases are linked to stress, and negative thinking is directly connected to an increase in stress level. Positive thinking can help reverse disorders present in the mind and body that are affected by negative thinking and stress. With positive thinking, the body’s immune system improves, physical energy levels increase along with mental and physical strength.

Positive Thinking Creates Soundness Of Mind

Positive thinking is not just about telling oneself that all is well or that everything needs to be ok all the time. It is about keeping one’s cool and maintaining emotional balance when things are not going as expected. Positive thinking creates a soundness of mind that can help anyone calmly deal with any situation that occurs in life. Research shows that anxiety and depression are directly linked to having constant negative thoughts. Positive thoughts help alleviate negative emotions and attitudes. One way to help train the brain to think positively is the use of mantras and affirmations. Continuously thinking positively will create new neural pathways in the brain so that eventually, thinking positive becomes automatic.

Positive Thinking Helps Increase Self-Confidence

Many people do not realize that they are solely responsible for their feelings. It may be easier to blame others when negative emotions arise, but the reality is that no other person has control over the way one ultimately feels about themselves. A lack of self-confidence and negative thinking patterns may be the cause of a refusal to take responsibility for one’s feelings. If negative thinking is causing low self-esteem and if there is a tendency to blame others for the way one feels, it is important to become more self-aware and work at thinking positively. Positive thinking helps build self-confidence, and as self-trust and belief in oneself increase, the need to blame others for one’s feelings also dissipates, and all the other benefits of self-love begin to unfold and grow over time.

Positive Thinking Improves The Outer Appearance

Positive thinking promotes mental and physical health, which also tends to improve one’s external appearance. Negative thinking increases cortisol levels, a stress hormone, and unmanaged stress may produce complications such as poor dietary and lifestyle choices, disrupted sleep, and other negative consequences. Some skin conditions are also triggered by stress including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. A positive frame of mind will decrease stress, stabilize the mind, help prevent illness by strengthening the immune system and promote healthy food and lifestyle choices, which all positively impact the outer appearance. Positive thinking also lifts the mood and encourages smiling, laughter and other pleasant expressions that are attractive.

A Few Tips On How To Start Thinking Positively

There are a number of simple exercises to implement into ones daily routine to practice and produce positive thinking. On a daily basis, try writing down positive comments in a journal or on a calendar that celebrate things that were enjoyable or goals achieved on that day. Make an effort every day to participate in enjoyable things, whether it is chatting with an old friend, listening to favorite bands, reading favorite authors, or painting. Display photos, trophies, certificates, or any evidence of success as a visual reminder to be appreciative. Think of a peaceful place - whether real or imagined - and mentally visit this place when feeling uneasy. Practice visiting this place so often, that it becomes an automatic response when experiencing moments of stress.

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