THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING

"SWEAT. SMILE. REPEAT."

“YOUR ONLY LIMIT IS YOU.”

“IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE GREAT.”

“LIMITLESS.”

“GREATNESS ISN’T BORN. IT’S MADE.”

Gyms and personal trainers use these positive phrases to motivate athletes. When you are sore and tired, it may sound like total bullshit. Nevertheless, the power of positive thinking is real. Positive thinking can make you healthier and happier. You can choose your mindset.

Choose wisely.

WHAT IS POSITIVE THINKING

WebMD states that positive thinking is the “practice of focusing on the good in any given situation.” However, do not be bamboozled into believing that positive thinkers only see puppy dogs and rainbows. Positive thinkers are not naïve.

Positive thinking requires a deliberate decision to survey the entire situation around you and choosing to focus on the good.

“Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them.”

Jack Canfield (The Chicken Soup for the Soul guy)

BENEFITS OF POSITIVE THINKING

Norman Vincent Peale released his best-seller self-help book, The Power of Positive Thinking, in 1952. The book was popular with readers but received much criticism from the religious and scientific communities.

Peale’s approach may not be for everyone, but his basic theory has a solid footing. “Our happiness depends on the habit of mind we cultivate. So practice happy thinking every day.”

John Hopkins researchers have found that people with a family history of heart disease that also took a “positive” versus “negative” outlook on life were 13% less likely to have a heart attack.

The Nun Study—no joke, it is in actuality called this—began in 1986 with funding from National Institute on Aging to study Alzheimer's disease. Along the way, researchers also looked at the early writings of the nuns. Nuns, when in their early-20’s, that expressed more positive emotional content, showed a direct correlation to a longer life span.

The University of Wisconsin shares that Cognitive-behavioral therapy can influence pain levels. The goal of controlled positive thoughts is to allow patients with chronic pain, or an athlete with an injury, to modify their thoughts with the intent of responding better to pain.

3 WAYS TO INCREASE POSITIVE THINKING

James Clear, author, weightlifter, and ESPN Academic All-American baseball pitcher suggests adding three practices to your daily routine to increase positive thinking.

1. MEDITATION

Research completed by Barbara Ferguson, a positive psychology researcher (Who knew that was a real thing?) at the University of North Carolina, recommends that people who meditate daily exhibit more positive emotions.

Mediation supports increased mindfulness and purpose.

Mediation supports increased mindfulness and purpose. Finding Hope In Uncertain Times, a free 21-day meditation experience, is definitely helping us harness strength, find peace, and create connections during these stressful times.

2. WRITING

There is a reason that journals sell like hotcakes. Writing allows us to process our feelings and organize our thoughts.

One study found that after three days of journaling about daily positive experiences, participants were more likely to have an increased mood and experience fewer illnesses.

3. PLAY

Don’t take life so seriously. Have a little fun.

The benefits of play embrace stress relief, improved brain function, increased creativity and strengthened relationships.

Play can be as effortless as sharing a laugh with a friend or a game of catch with your children.