During difficult times, being positive is a challenge. Yet of all the mental forces that we have at our disposal, being positive seems to be one of the most productive. Rethinking mental health as more of a continuum of positive and negative mental behaviors could have revolutionary effect on the medical field as well as the health and well being of the community at large.
Features
A positive mental attitude is a life choice. Basically, it is the belief that a person can influence an outcome by being positive. Choosing to emphasize the best in a difficult situation takes conscious effort. For some people, this comes relatively naturally. For others, it involves changing the way they look at life from a fundamental level.
Medical Benefits
It appears that people who are happy may have a tendency to be healthier and live longer. According to the study published in 2001 in the "Journal of Personal and Social Psychology," nuns that qualified as the happiest lived an average of 6.9 years longer than the unhappiest group. Another study published in "American Scientist" found that within the context of a 35-year longitudinal study of male Harvard students, those with a positive attitude had less illness at midlife compared to their more discouraged counterparts.
Internal Benefits
Eliminating negative thoughts helps you cope with what life sends your way. Since most of what you worry about never happens anyway, it allows you to see options with more clarity. A positive mental attitude fosters valuable personal traits, such as gratitude and happiness. According to the "Authentic Happiness Newsletter," people who have tried to increase the gratitude in their lives have been associated with greater happiness and less depression three months later. Being able to recognize your blessings during difficult times helps you center in on what is truly important and encourages you to discard those situations or individuals who are not adding value to your life.
External Benefits
People naturally prefer to be around positive people. They exude an infectious energy that attracts others to them. People admire your coping skills. Positive people find themselves supported by other people and that support can make you feel happier. Happy people attract other happy people and are generally kinder to each other, which has a tendency to be infectious. Therefore, it might be theorized that happy people make the world a better place.
Limitations
Some events in life may happen when looking to the bright side just does not work. Tragedies and obstacles should make you sad; it is healthy to be depressed occasionally. A positive attitude may not always be enough to change the situation or the outcome, but it may limit the depth or loneliness that sometimes accompanies sadness. Training yourself to have a positive attitude involves changing a trajectory of negative thought patterns that keep you from moving forward. But the benefits for your world, and the world at large, could potentially be enormous.
References
- "The Science of Optimism and Hope;" J.E. Gillham; 2000.
- "Journal of Personal and Social Psychology"; Positive Emotions in Early Life and Longevity; D.D. Danner, et al; 2001
- "Happiness is a Serious Problem;" Dennis Prager; 1998
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