ARTAWellness
ARTAWellness
Positive thinking , according to the Mayo Clinic , means that we approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive manner ; we think the best is going to happen , not the worst .
Dr . Barbara Frederickson , a psychologist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , is a leader in the concept of ‘ positivity ,’ which is our ability to generate positive emotions in our everyday lives . Even very brief moments when we experience another person ’ s kindness or we enjoy the laughter of small children at play can result , over time , in a sense of greater well-being . According to Dr . Frederickson , these positive emotions such as love , joy and gratitude build up a reserve that will serve as a buffer against stress and depression and promote greater physical and mental health . Conversely , negative reactions to everyday life experiences will eventually deplete our mental and physical reserves , often resulting in physical or emotional stress and , often , illness . Health benefits that positive thinking may provide , according to the Mayo Clinic , include the following :
• 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
• Better coping skills during hardship and times of stress .
Habits are often difficult to break , but we can train ourselves to turn negative thinking into positive thinking . Experts in the field recommend a few simple changes in our daily lives :
• Do good things for other people . Making other people happier , even through small , simple acts , also enhances our own positive feelings .
• Appreciate the world around you . Enjoying a sunset or a bright sunny day or a bird ’ s song boosts our positive reserves .
• Develop and nourish relationships . Building strong social connections with family and friends is associated with a longer and healthier lifestyle .
• Establish goals that can be accomplished . Success , even in small goals such as increasing our walk time each day , adds to our positive self-image .
• Learn something new . It can be a sport , a game , a language or a new skill that will instill a sense of achievement and self-confidence .
• Be open to humour . Seek humour in everyday happenings .
• Surround yourself with positive people . Positive supportive people can be depended upon to give helpful advice and boost our spirits when needed .
• Follow a healthy lifestyle .
• Practise positive self-talk . We often tend to expect much more from ourselves than we would expect from others .
Emotional well-being is one of the keys to enjoying a rewarding and healthy retirement . Although we may not be able to control many aspects of our lives , we do have the power to choose how we react to challenges and setbacks . Positive thinking is a powerful tool that can change our mindset and our state of mental , emotional and physical health . �
Websites for further information : mayoclinic . org / healthy-lifestyle richardjdavidson . com fredrickson . socialpsychology . org
news & views WINTER 2017 | 51