Everyone experiences a constant stream of self-talk, according to the Mayo Clinic. It's the voice in the writer's head saying that her writing stinks and she should give up. It's the voice encouraging the teen to try out for the school play. Some people have a glass-half-full perspective and their self-talk is positive. Others constantly berate themselves and think negatively when faced with a challenge.
Benefits of Positive Thinking
The Mayo Clinic reports that people who focus on positives instead of the negatives experience many health benefits. They live longer lives, have lower rates of mental illnesses such as depression, are less likely to suffer from the common cold and cardiovascular disease, and have better coping skills to deal with stress. Researchers aren't sure why positive thinking can improve a person's overall health. People who think positively might have healthier lifestyles. They also might cope with stress in healthy ways, such as exercising or meditation, which could lead to less harmful effects of stress on their bodies.
Effects of Negative Thinking
"Psychology Today" reports that people who suffer from depression experience negative self-talk and thoughts on a regular basis. Other mental health issues, such as generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, can develop due to negative thinking. People who are pessimistic are more likely to have health problems, and they are less likely to cope with stress in healthy ways.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The basic premise of cognitive behavioral therapy is that your thoughts affect your emotions and your behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapists work with their clients to show them how their thoughts impact their mental health and how they can change from pessimistic and irrational thinking to positive thinking. Many people don't realize the power that their thoughts hold and how they could be much happier and healthier if they took control of their thoughts. Changing your perspective isn't easy. It takes work, but cognitive behavioral therapy is short-term, lasting about 12 sessions.
Misconceptions
Some people believe that positive thinking equals constant happiness. Whole Living reports that this is not the case. Attempting to be happy all the time and plastering a smile on your face isn't the answer. Everyone experiences sadness, anger and frustration. It's completely normal to have days where you don't feel very happy. The difference between an optimistic person and pessimistic person occurs in how they deal with these emotions. The optimistic person would recognize that it's alright to feel sad and realize that it won't last forever. The pessimistic person might think he's weak when he feels sad and not be able to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Increasing Positive Thinking
To increase positive thinking, you have be aware of your thoughts. You can do this by taking a few minutes every hour to tune in to what you're thinking and how it's affecting your mood. Notice if what you're thinking is rational or if you're beating yourself up for no reason. If possible, change negative thoughts into positive ones.
Member Comments