The holidays have come and gone, and vacations and get-togethers with family and friends are complete. For many of us, going back to the daily grind can leave us feeling quite blue. But it is a new year, and in the spirit of new beginnings, we can start to nurture positive thinking and reap its benefits all year through.
Positive thinking is an emotional and mental attitude that focuses on the good at any given time. Instead of being a personality trait that one either has or does not, it is really a skill, choice, and habit you can develop.
Positive thinking is not about ignoring or making light of the challenges we face every day. It is about approaching life with the belief that things will go well and if they don’t go well, that we will have the ability and courage to get through tough times.
This attitude has a great impact on your health. Improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and better pain tolerance are just some of the health benefits of positive thinking. When it comes to mental health, positive thinking reduces stress and depression, improves mood, increases ability to manage strong emotions, and can increase empathy. Socially, people who practice positive thinking have improved relationship satisfaction, are less lonely, and have better coping skills.
Get started on the path to positive thinking with these steps:
Nurture relationships: Relationships are at the heart of your wellbeing and happiness. Nurture them and they will nurture you. Investing in relationships increases your support system and resources which makes you more resilient in challenging times and better equipped to practice positive thinking. Relationships are cultivated by practicing kindness and cultivating an appreciation for others.
Be intentional: Take the time to reflect on the activities and relationships that bring you joy. Direct your time and attention to savouring these moments. Express gratitude to people in your life whose support you value.
Be your own champion: Celebrate your successes – you may have worked hard and waited long for this moment. Give yourself grace when the unexpected happens.
Use your gifts and abilities: For many of us, identifying our gifts or strengths can be difficult as we are often our own worst critics. But remember, your gifts lie in the place where your values, passions, and strengths meet. Using the skills that you enjoy will increase positive thinking and gratitude, leading to more happiness and contentment in everyday life.
Seek out variety: Expand your horizons and seek out different experiences. Spread out indulgences over time to avoid forming bad habits.
Anticipate happiness, health, and success while cultivating gratitude for your own successes and that of others. Get started on the path to positive thinking today.
