Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
Do you tend to see the glass as half empty or half full?
You have probably heard that question plenty of times.
Your answer relates directly to the concept of positive thinking and whether you have apositiveor negative outlook on life.
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
This article discusses what positive thinking is and the health benefits of being positive.
It also explores some of the strategies you’re free to use to become a more positive thinker.
What Is Positive Thinking?
Positive thinking does not necessarily mean avoiding difficult situations.
Positive Psychology vs.
Positive thinking is about looking at things from a positive point of view.
It is a jot down of thinking that focuses on maintaining a positive, optimistic attitude.
Clearly, there are manybenefits of positive thinking.
But why, exactly, does positive thinking have such a strong impact on physical andmental health?
One theory is that people who think positively tend to be less affected by stress.
Practicing these strategies regularly can help you get in the habit of maintaining a more positive outlook on life.
For example, in some situations,negative thinkingcan actually lead to more accurate decisions and outcomes.
Some research has found that negative thinking and moods can actually help people make better, more accurate judgments.
However, research suggests that realistic optimism might be the ideal.
This doesn’t mean that people should strive to be pessimistic thinkers.
In some cases, inappropriately applied positive thinking can cross the line into what is known astoxic positivity.
Positive thinking can have pitfalls at times.
While it is important to have an overall positive outlook, unrealistically high expectations can lead to disappointment.
Practicing positive self-talk and practicing gratitude can also be helpful ways to start having a more positive outlook.
Positive thinking is important because it can have a beneficial impact on both physical and mental well-being.
Positive thinking also helps promote greater feelings of happiness and overall satisfaction with life.
Positive thinking has been shown to help people live healthier, happier lives.
Actively replacing negative thoughts with positive ones can help you eventually learn to become a more positive thinker.
Chang E, Sanna L.Virtue, Vice, And Personality: The Complexity of Behavior.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.The power of positive thinking.
2018;2018:2126368. doi:10.1155/2018/2126368
Boyraz G, Lightsey OR Jr.Can positive thinking help?
Positive automatic thoughts as moderators of the stress-meaning relationship.Am J Orthopsychiatry.
2014;106(2):304-24. doi:10.1037/a0035173
Forgas JP.Dont worry, be sad!
On the cognitive, motivational, and interpersonal benefits of negative mood.Curr Dir Psychol Sci.
2021;47(4):540-550. doi:10.1177/0146167220934577
