THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND POSITIVE THINKING

This article will explore the various way to work towards living a positive, happy lifestyle (It’s not that hard – trust us!).

---

Did you know that having a positive outlook on life can help you cope better in stressful situations? Experts say it could reduce the harmful health effects associated with stress (think heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes).

We explore ways you can practise positive thinking, and how it can change your life.

Manifest The Life You Want
Manifestation is all about putting your intentions towards something that you hope will happen, working towards it, believing in your goal, and celebrating your dream coming to fruition.

Take time out to jot down everything you want for yourself and your family in the next few years. Then, start thinking about the steps you need to take for this to happen. Practising mindfulness and visualising the end goal will ensure you don’t lose sight of the path you’re on.

Each day, set yourself up for success by focusing your energy on the good and the life you are working towards. This is where being your own coach will come in handy.

Smile Like You Mean It
According to scientific studies, smiling can ‘trick’ your mind into being happy, as the simple act causes our bodies to release cortisol and endorphins that offer us a mood-boost, strengthen our immune systems and has even been linked to prolonged life.

When you wake up in the morning, try to smile and get yourself in the right mood to take on the new day. This will instantly boost your mental state.

Don’t Dwell On It
We are often caught up in all the ways that things are seemingly going wrong; we get stuck in traffic and have a few words with a testy fellow driver that ruins our entire day, or we take criticism personally at work and become unproductive for the rest of the week.

These are things that we shouldn’t dwell on or allow to derail us. That testy driver could be seen as a ‘test of your patience’: being patient is a valuable skill, showing that you have perseverance and can accept and manage setbacks well.

Further, career criticism should be seen as an opportunity to better yourself, rather than a personal attack. There are positive lessons to take away from slight hurdles in our day. Keep your head high and find the positive in these ‘annoying’ situations.

Read these Books For Inspo!

Mind Hacking: How to Change Your Mind for Good in 21 Days by John Hargrave

Have you ever wished that you could programme your brain to be happier and more productive? Well, this nifty three-step guide to improving your overall mental state teaches you how to take charge of your mind and keep out negative thoughts and anxieties in just 21 days!

It will guide you to rewire and equip your brain with healthier thoughts to live in the best way possible.

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
From the creator of popular TV shows Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy, Shonda Rhimes’ self-written best-selling book is changing people’s lives for the better. Funny and filled with wisdom, this heartfelt memoir will encourage you to celebrate who you really are and to say ‘yes’ to opportunities that will empower and save your life.

A Year of Good Things: 365 Micro-moments to Bring You Joy by Jason Ward
The keyword here is ‘gratitude’. Fill your own cup with loads of inspiration by finding the joys and blessings in the little things.

This book will teach you to enjoy and appreciate the little moments that occur each and everyday – from receiving a random compliment, to getting through those dreaded work emails. Learning to be grateful will truly set your mind on the right path to fulfilment and success.

Images: Gallo/Getty
By: Charndre Emma Kippie