Improve Your Health Through Positive Thinking

Your mother probably repeatedly told you to "think good thoughts," especially if something was troubling you or if you had a bad day. The power of positive thinking does not make problems magically go away, but it can help you reduce stress and maintain a positive outlook on life, which is a good stress management tool. By helping to manage stress, positive thinking has many health benefits.
The Benefits of Positive Thinking
Although scientists keep exploring how the power of positive thinking produces health benefits, it is unclear exactly why it does. Some of the benefits gained from positivity include both medical and mental health benefits. People who maintain a positive outlook have lower rates of depression and they experience fewer instances of distressful thinking. People who practice positive thinking are psychologically healthier than people who do not have a happy outlook on life.
Medically, positivity can help to reduce the effects of stress on the body and improve the immune system, helping people to be more resistant to viruses. Less stress also helps to put less strain on the cardiovascular system by keeping blood pressure levels lower and reduces the risk of death from heart disease or strokes. Reducing stress can also help to increase a person's life span.
How to Practice Positive Thinking
While it may seem that some people are naturally more positive than others are, it takes a conscious effort to practice positive thinking. All too often, people are stuck in a pattern of negative thought and self-talk, which will continue if not consciously stopped. Be more aware of your thoughts so you can catch the negative ones as they begin to form. As they do begin to form, you can make an effort turn them around to be more positive.
When you catch yourself starting to have negative thoughts, you can reframe those thoughts so they become positive. Work to get rid of absolutes when you think negatively. Using "I never" or "I always" often has negative implications, which you need to change in order to produce more positive thoughts.
It takes courage to recognize when you need to change something about yourself, even if it is something internally like your thoughts. When you take steps to stop negative thoughts and start thinking more positively, you will find it easier to face your problems and resolve them. Making a conscious effort to change negative thoughts will help you live happier.

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