Are we in control of THINKING POSITIVE? Yes, we are in control. It may require reframing a mindset but is possible and the benefits will lead us to a better-quality of life.

If we keep a positive mind as we experience different situations happening through our day, we can make things much easier for ourselves and the people around us.

Imagine that a close friend ignores you when you see him/her. You would be angry or upset, right? But if you tried thinking about the situation differently more positive without taking it personal—maybe your friend did not see you or was distracted with some personal issues/problems—that would help calm you down and keep you from acting out.

Positive thinking brings positive change to any situation.

Positive thinking is not always easy and takes a lot of practice for most people. Specially if the mind has been trained to think negative, it needs to be retrained to think in a positive direction, this could be a difficult process but on the bright side, retraining the mind is possible and greatly beneficial.

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 a healthy mental state of mind.

When we think positive, we are maintaining our emotional in balance specially 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 raise negative emotions and attitudes. One way to help train the brain to think positively is the use of 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 emotions. 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 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.

How to Encourage Positive Thinking...

There are several simple exercises to implement into one’s daily routine to practice and produce positive thinking. I would like to share a few tips on how to create a positive thinking:

1. Writing down positive comments that can be repeated over and over to teach you how to get rid of negative thoughts and encourage a positive attitude.
2. Journal things that were enjoyable or goals achieved on that day.
3. Try every day to participate in enjoyable things, whether it is chatting with an old friend, listening to favorite bands, reading your favorite authors, exercising, or painting.
4. Display photos, trophies, certificates, or any evidence of success as a visual reminder to be appreciative.
5. 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.
6. Set a personal goal that shift your mindset to see your glass of life full rather than half empty.
7. Give thanks for the many blessings in life. Give gratitude to the gifts around you.

In conclusion It is ok to have negative thoughts as you go through your day, but it will be beneficial to retrain our brain on how to switch to positive thinking when we feel down. Do not give up, you can do it!