“Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results…We understand this law in the natural world, and work with it; but few understand it in the mental and moral world – although its operation there is just as simple and undeviating – and they, therefore, do not cooperation with it.” – James Allen
Gallup’s research into wellbeing found that “a life well-lived” requires the fulfillment of several elements: Career, Emotional, Physical, Community and Financial wellbeing.
In this article, we will highlight the impact that positive thinking impact on overall well-being. Essentially, a person’s wellbeing — whether thriving, struggling or suffering — can be affected by one’s thinking.
Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress
“Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave. And I firmly believe that when I am positive, it not only makes me better, but it also makes those around me better.” – Harvey Mackay
Positive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve your health, according to the Mayo Clinic. Positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you’re optimistic or pessimistic — and it may even affect your health.
Studies have shown that optimism can affect your health and well-being. The positive thinking that comes with optimism is a key part of effective stress management. And effective stress management is associated with many health benefits.
Understanding positive thinking and self-talk
“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” – Oprah Winfrey
Positive thinking doesn’t mean that you’re a Pollyanna and ignore life’s less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive, courageous and productive way. Instead of giving into fear (False Expectations Appearing Real) and worry, you think the best is going to happen, not the worst.
Positive thinking often starts with self-talk. Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information, according to the Mayo Clinic.
If the thoughts that run through your head are mostly negative, your outlook on life is more likely pessimistic. If your thoughts are mostly positive, you’re likely an optimist — someone who practices positive thinking.
The health benefits of positive thinking
Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:
- Increased life span
- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of distress
- Greater resistance to the common cold
- Better psychological and physical well-being
- Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
- Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
It’s unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. One theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body and mental well-being.
It’s also thought that positive and optimistic people tend to live healthier lifestyles — they get more physical activity, have stronger relationships, follow a healthier diet, and don’t smoke or drink alcohol in excess.
