Research on How to Have a Healthy Attitude Towards Life

One way to stay healthy is to develop a healthy attitude toward life. And one way to do that is to practice positive thinking. Health benefits associated with positive thinking include a longer life, reduced risk of depression, less general stress, increased resistance to developing a cold, feeling better psychologically and physiologically, reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and better stress management during hardships such as when losing a loved one, losing your job or going through a divorce. You can learn how to have a healthy-life attitude.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine whether you engage in negative self-talk. Do you focus only on that minor mistake you made during an otherwise successful day at work? Do you assume everything is your fault even when you do not have evidence to support such an assertion? Do you expect the worst to happen any time you attempt something? Is your life either perfect or terrible, never somewhere in-between? These are all examples of negative self-talk. You must stop engaging in such behavior if you want to develop a healthy life-attitude.

• 2

  Get enough sleep. Sleep is the key to the maintenance and improvement of one's energy levels, according to Exforsys Inc. People who sleep sufficiently are more likely to develop and maintain a positive attitude toward life. If you have insomnia due to stress in your life, establish good sleeping habits such as going to bed and getting up at the same time, sleeping in a dark and quiet space, avoiding caffeine and getting enough exercise at least three hours before bedtime. Stay away from sleeping pills except for Valerian and Melatonin and instead try to relax by listening to calming music and talking to loved ones.

• 3

  Exercise and eat right. Exercising most days of the week should be part of your general positive attitude development training as well as eating a healthy diet full of fruit, vegetables and unprocessed foods. Avoid alcohol, drugs, smoking and junk food.

• 4

  Avoid negative people and befriend positive, happy ones who make you laugh. "Negative people, those who believe they have no power over their lives, may increase your stress level and may make you doubt your ability to manage stress in healthy ways," according to the Mayo Clinic.

• 5

  Be kind to yourself and others. Remind yourself daily of your good qualities and do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle. In times of extreme stress, engage in activities that relax you and give you joy and do not worry so much about being productive. Helping others will make you feel better, so consider volunteering.

• 6

  Lower your expectations and practice patience. Do not expect your life to change in one day. If you have engaged in bad habits and negative self-talk for a prolonged time period, it can take some time before your new, healthier habits take root.