Everyone always talks about the importance of a positive mindset, but when things get hard, it can be an increasingly challenging thing to do. Often, it is easy to slip into a spiral of negativity and focus on what’s wrong in your life, especially when you are facing a hardship. I know I tend to struggle with keeping positive thoughts consistently in my life and I am aware that many others are too. Here are some reasons as to why a positive mindset is so important and some tips that can help you maintain positivity throughout challenges life throws at you.
The Importance of Keeping A Positive Mindset
Positive mindsets help us cope more effectively during good and bad moments of our lives. For instance, people with who tend to look on the bright side usually cope with stresses and hardships better than those who don’t. Furthermore, positive thinking can help prevent or lessen symptoms of mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. As a result, keeping a positive mindset helps increases one’s resilience after experiencing a hardship. Keeping positivity in your thoughts also carries physical benefits such as a longer life span, decreased risks of cardiovascular disease and higher immunity, along with a greater feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment in life.
So, how can I keep or develop a positive mindset? Here’s some ideas on how!
1.) Challenge Negative Thoughts- Do not try to block out negative thoughts that cross your mind. Instead, acknowledge their presence and then question them with questions such as “is this really true?” “where is the evidence?” “is there an alternative, more positive perspective to what I am thinking….what can it be?”
2.) Try to emphasize good and positives in your life- You can achieve this by writing a gratitude list of things you are grateful for and look for current or past experiences that positively impacted you. If you chose a past experience that was positive, take the time to remind yourself that good times will come again.
3.) Surround yourself with positive and supportive people- Okay, I know this sounds so generic, but it really helps me. Once I distanced myself from negative people and started hanging out with kids who are positive and support me, I felt myself become more positive too. Even if I am in a negative thinking trap, I find that hanging out with friends who are positive tends to make me feel happier in their presence and alleviate my negativity at least while I am around them. Meanwhile, their support helps me feel wanted which also helps me eliminate certain negative thoughts.
4.) If you are comfortable, you can talk to someone about what you’re experiencing and your thoughts. This way, you are able to release emotional build-up and try to find positivity together with someone else. If this isn’t something you feel comfortable with, you can also write down what’s on your mind as if you are talking to yourself and find an alternate perspective that way too.
Developing and keeping a positive mindset is difficult and requires a lot of work. However, it is achievable and you can do it!
Note: The Free Your Mind Mental Health Society is an independent youth-led organization. The contents of this blog are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In the event of a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 911 or other local emergency numbers immediately
SOURCES
Cherry, K. (2020, June 01). How Can Positive Thinking Benefit Your Mind and Body? Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.verywellmind.com/benefits-of-positive-thinking-2794767
How to challenge negative thoughts. (n.d.). Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-challenge-negative-thoughts
The Importance of a Positive Mindset. (n.d.). Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://welldoing.org/article/importance-positive-mindset
Strebe, S. (n.d.). Successful People Do This at the Beginning of the Day-Do You? Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.mydomaine.com/gratitude-list