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Power of Positivity: How to Focus on the Good in Your Life

3 months, 2 weeks ago

3545  0
Posted on Jan 12, 2024, 12 p.m.

According to Hopkins Medicine, people who have a family history of heart disease but who also have a positive outlook on life are as much as one-third less likely to suffer a cardiovascular event when compared to those who are more negative.

While the science behind this isn’t clear, what is clear is that optimism can keep you healthy, while negativity and pessimism are unhealthy in more ways than one.

Practicing gratitude is a simple yet effective way to make yourself aware of the wonderful things around you. This can be done by writing in a journal, which studies by the University of Rochester have confirmed is good for your mental health. Take a moment at the end of a busy day to reflect on what you are grateful for.

As you cast your mind back, it’s important to recognize your achievements. Write out your accomplishments in a journal and say them out loud to yourself. When you have achieved a goal, whether it’s personal or professional, celebrate it. Remember to give yourself the credit and recognition that you deserve.

We’re often very hard on ourselves and excessively critique what we do. Reframing how you speak to yourself is important to help build your confidence. You will find yourself going from saying, “I can’t do this, I don’t know what I am doing,” to “I can do this with a bit of practice and learning.” Be patient with yourself, as this takes time and practice.

You may have found yourself drained after a social engagement or feeling depressed after watching the news. What we expose ourselves to can affect our mindset and how we feel. It’s important to limit your exposure to pessimism and negativity.

Surround yourself with people who build you up and bring the best out of you. Ensure that the person you look to as a romantic partner is compatible on an emotional level and brings positivity to your life. Make time for the friendships that support you, give you confidence, and, most of all, make you happy.

Laughter can change our mood instantly. It can replace the feeling of worry and anxiety. Open yourself up to humor and laugh away, try to laugh even when you’re not feeling great. You might find your mood instantly improves.

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” ― Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment.

It’s easy for you to drift from the present with your worries. Practice mindfulness and immerse yourself in the moment; be conscious and engaged. Whether it’s a picturesque sunset or an activity that brings you joy, take it all in. Meditation can be used to bring calm and focus to your daily life.

Use meditation techniques to set your intentions for the day. Meditating can help to reduce stress and clear the mind.

Focus your attention on possible solutions to challenges that may arise rather than delving into the negatives of a situation. This can help you maintain an optimistic state of mind, leading to more favorable outcomes.

Exercise patience with yourself as you embark on a journey in search of positivity. Self-compassion, kindness, and mindset are some of the foundational blocks to opening yourself up to new-found well-being. Change takes time, and with practice, you will begin to hone in on the things that are good in your life.

This article was written for WHN by Karen Bradford, who is a content creator, wordsmith, blogger, and health advocate.

As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 

Opinion Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of WHN/A4M. Any content provided by guest authors is of their own opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.

Content may be edited for style and length.

References/Sources/Materials provided by:

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking

https://worldhealth.net/news/healing-power-gratitude/

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1

https://worldhealth.net/news/laughter-may-be-best-medicine/

www.goodreads.com

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