What if how we thought affected our health? Our longevity?  Would it inspire you to pay a little more attention to how we respond to life events or various medical diagnoses?  The use of modern medicine works many miracles but according to hundreds of studies our own thoughts can perform miracles as well.   When we can combine the use of medicine and positive thinking the results are mind blowing!

What to expect from positive thinking according to the Mayo Clinic (info based on actual medical studies):

  • Increased life span
  • Lower rates of depression
  • Lower levels of distress
  • Greater resistance to the common cold
  • Better psychological and physical well-being
  • Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
  • Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

Other studies have also shown:

  • Longer survival rates of cancer patients
  • Lower loads of HIV in patients infected
  • Better controlled blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes patients

You now may be wondering exactly how to start this new positive way of thinking.  According to the studies mention above there are 8 key skills to learn and you must master at least 3 on a daily basis.

The 8 ways to positive thinking are as follows:

  •  Recognize a positive event each day.
  •  Savor that event and log it in a journal or tell someone about it.
  •  Start a daily gratitude journal.
  •  List a personal strength and note how you used it.
  •  Set an attainable goal and note your progress.
  •  Report a relatively minor stress and list ways to reappraise the event positively.
  •  Recognize and practice small acts of kindness daily.
  •  Practice mindfulness, focusing on the here and now rather than the past or future.

Hopefully you will find these tips useful and begin practicing them to get started on your way to a happier healthier life!

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950#:~:text=Researchers%20continue%20to%20explore%20the,Increased%20life%20span&text=Better%20cardiovascular%20health%20and%20reduced%20risk%20of%20death%20from%20cardiovascular%20disease