Does Positive Thinking Reduce Stress?
Benefits of Positive Thinking
Does this sound like you? You have heard that positive thinking can have such an amazingly powerful effect on your life. But maybe you are not buying into all that “good thoughts” power. You need proof.
So, exactly how does positive thinking reduce stress? What really happens inside your body when you adopt a positive as opposed to a negative way of thinking? Let’s take a look.
The Mayo Clinic reports that using positive thinking as a stress management tool can lead to the following benefits:
- You live longer
- Instances of depression and anxiety are reduced
- Your natural defense system is boosted
- You do not catch as many colds (seriously)
- You develop excellent coping skills
- A lower risk of heart disease and heart-related death
For some, it is difficult to believe those benefits can come about simply by having a positive attitude. And honestly, it is not the positive attitude in and of itself that delivers those benefits. It’s the true and honest perception of reality that positive thinkers enjoy which reduces stress and then leads to those many benefits.
Positive Mindset
For instance, people with a positive mindset most of the time tend to see the world as it is. They apply no negative filters or preconceived beliefs about existence. They understand the mantra of mindfulness meditation — to focus on and live in the moment.
When you look at the world as a “now” experience, no pointless future-guessing and past negative experiences can influence your mindset and actions. Science has even shown that positive thinkers see more possibilities in their lives.
When you believe there are limitless options and possibilities and you look at the world through no negative filters, you are calm and peaceful, even in the face of difficult situations. Stressing over what may happen is one of the biggest worries of the negative thinker. This never happens with someone who fosters positive beliefs.
They do not waste time creating possible “what if ” scenarios. Instead, they see only the present moment with a very clear vision, and then they choose a course of action that delivers a positive result.
The Process Is Very Simple
When your ancient ancestors encountered stress, it was often a life or death situation. What we call today the “fight or flight” reflex tells your brain that you are in a super stressful situation. Unfortunately, this still happens today, even when what you perceive as stress has a limited or non-existent impact on your life.
“It’s most important that you surround yourself with positivity always,
and have it in your mind at all times.” — Tyler Perry
This article was originally published on my site at https://donnapresents.com/does-positive-thinking-reduce-stress/.
Meditation is a habit that may come easily to some. I have been meditating for over five years, but there were many days I found myself slipping. These days, not so much, not since I’ve printed out and put on my vision board over my desk these Positive Mindset graphics from Alice Seba at Publish for Prosperity. You can get these graphics at no cost here.
If you’re interested in revitalizing your life through meditation and would like to learn a virtually risk-free, and cost-effective practice, that people of all ages can do with a little patience and guidance and that will serve you for the rest of your life, I would love to connect with you. You can connect with me here.
I’m Donna SLam, who loves to blog about how meditation brings self-compassion, peace of mind, and clarity to my life and others by sharing tips and strategies to live a fulling and purposeful life. I enjoy championing others to lead a healthy and happy life through meditation, walking, self-development, and spending time with loved ones.
