Importance of Positive Thinking

Positive thinking is often one of the most therapeutic ways to deal with mental disturbances such as depression and paranoia. However, anyone can benefit from positive thinking, which can create better relationships and an overall happier life. As long as reality is kept in perspective, people can turn negative thoughts into positive thoughts and change bad thought patterns.

Health

• Your thoughts actually have an impact on your health. Those who think positively live longer, experience less depression, are generally happier, get sick less often, have a much lower risk of death due to cardiovascular disease and reduced stress. Stress occurs when the body prepares itself for hardship. The body anticipates hardship when negative thoughts fill the mind, causing it to release fewer stress hormones.

Happiness

• Positive thinking leads to positive emotions like happiness, joy, love, satisfaction and inspiration. Positive thoughts are also more conducive of creativity, as a positive brain is more willing to generate new ideas. Those who think positively are more persistent and willing to follow through with new ideas.

Relationships

• Those who are positive are more fun to be around. Negative thinking can sometimes lead to hilarious satire, but ultimately people want to be around positive thinkers. Positive thinking can be exciting, invigorating and inspiring. Positive thoughts are contagious, causing others to also want to think positively. People are also more willing to help each other and solve problems when positive thinking is common.

Optimism vs. Realism

• While optimism is mostly beneficial, those thinking positively should also keep in touch with what is really occurring. For instance, someone who is injured should see a doctor instead of simply thinking positively and believing that he or she will heal. However, people can interpret events positively while still understanding what has occurred objectively. Problems do not have to be ignored and positive thinkers can be optimistic about finding solutions to their problems.

Positive Talk Tips

• Positive thinking includes having a sense of humor, building relationships with positive people and saying positive things to yourself. Negative thoughts can be turned into positive thoughts by trying to think of the upside of a particular event. For instance, if your web site crashes, think of it as an opportunity to give the web site a new look. Also, those who want to think positively need to focus more on positive events than negative events, quit blaming themselves, understand that nothing is completely good or bad, and stop expecting doom with every situation.