“Just think positive.” Positive thinking is touted by many as the ultimate solution to life’s trials and tribulations—a simple shift in mindset that can unlock a treasure chest of mental, emotional, and physical benefits. But just what does science say about the power of positive thinking? How does keeping good thoughts impact our lives, and what are some common yet significant ways it can prove beneficial? We examine the scientific bases of positive thinking and explore the wealth of ways it can improve our lives, backed by credible sources.
Positive Thinking Defined .
More than mere optimism or the occasional happy thought, positive thinking is a proactive, consistent approach to framing your mindset and reactions to life’s events in a positive way. It’s not about ignoring reality or masking over negative emotions, but choosing to focus on the potential for good that is present or can be created in even the most difficult situations.
The Psychological Roots of Positive Thinking
The concept of positive thinking is deeply embedded in cognitive-behavioral theory, the ideation that our thoughts directly influence our feelings and our behaviors. Positive thinking is a direct derivative of positive psychology, a specialized field developed by Martin Seligman and other leading researchers that prescribes the study of happiness, well-being, and human strengths. According to Seligman and fellow supporters, critical attention may be its own reward, as fostering a benevolently sunny perspective on life has been shown to enhance overall life satisfaction and resilience.
Positive Thinking’s Impact on Health
Study after study has linked positive thinking to a laundry list of health benefits. For starters, say goodbye to the blues—a positive mood has been found to lower rates of depression and distress. Plus, research has shown that a glass-half-full mindset can help to fend off common colds, a likely byproduct of improved immune function. Further, a more buoyant outlook has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, as individuals who were more optimistic were shown in one study to have a decreased risk for coronary heart disease and mortality from several other causes.
The Benefits of Positive Thinking
Mental Health Benefits
Positive thinking has been found to reduce the risk of depression, lessen anxiety, and reduce other mental health disorders.
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology also discovered that individuals who were optimistic had better stress management skills under conditions of extreme stress and led to fewer health consequences of chronic stress.
Physical Health Benefits
Besides mental health, there are numerous positive health benefits associated with positive thinking.
A positive attitude can lead to:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced risk for heart disease
- Overall better physical and psychological well-being
Optimism is also associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and lower mortality rates.
According to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, optimists were found to have a 50% reduced risk of experiencing an initial cardiovascular event compared to their less optimistic peers.
Positive Thinking and Success
We also find that positive thinking is associated with greater success and also influences personal and professional performance and success.
Positive Thinkers:
- Set higher goals and persist in achieving them in the face of difficulty
- Are more intrinsically motivated and resilient when they are not meeting their goals
- Achieve more, regardless of the general demands of their life
Academic and Professional Achievement
Research conducted in a wide range of organizational settings using diverse methodologies has uniformly found that positive, happy people are successful across multiple life domains.
Positive people are able to maintain positive emotions in the face of failure, they are better able to motivate themselves, have more ambition, and believe that they are in a social context that encourages success.
Positive organizational behavior suggests that positive emotions – such as satisfaction, enthusiasm, interest, and pride are beneficial toward achieving desirable outcomes at work, including job satisfaction, higher performance, and reduced counterproductive behaviors.
Relationship Benefits
In the development of relationships, particularly romantic ones, positive thinking is important in that it fosters healthy levels of communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Couples who have high levels of positive thinking are able to be more innovative in how they can best resolve their conflicts without settling.
Couples who have high levels of positive thinking and reciprocated self-disclosure are able to clearly communicate their affection and gratitude, which leads to a high level of marital satisfaction.
Adopting Positive Thinking
Appreciating the potential of positive thinking is only the first step; true transformation occurs when individuals integrate this perspective into their daily lives. Tools like mindfulness meditation, gratitude journaling, and cognitive-behavioral strategies can be invaluable for enabling a more positive and hope-filled mindset.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness meditation has been widely documented to increase positive emotions and decrease negative thoughts. By practicing living in the present moment and welcoming awareness of all experiences without judgment, individuals can begin to create a life brimming with balance and hope.
Gratitude Practices
Practical exercises like gratitude practices have demonstrated an ability to significantly enhance how much positive thinking is experienced. When individuals keep a gratitude journal, for instance, it is possible to shift attention off of negative elements, and instead center on the positive moments of life that make them feel hopeful and optimistic.
Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques
Adopting techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy can be a powerful way to become more adept at identifying and challenging negative thought patterns so that they might then be replaced with those that are more hopeful and realistic. Such therapeutic modalities have been heavily used in assisting people with depression and anxiety, ultimately making it possible for them to find health and hope.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the science behind positive thinking makes a compelling case that this positive outlook is more than just another feel-good mantra. Its foundations are found in well-established psychological theories, and its ability to change lives has been demonstrated time and time again by rigorous scientific data. The benefits of positive thinking affect the mental, emotional, physical, and relational aspects of life, making it an invaluable cornerstone to creating a thriving life.
While implementing positive thinking may not come as a simple edict, it is a mandate that can be easily accessible to everyone with practice and dedication. The implementation of strategies such as mindfulness, gratitude, and cognitive restructuring can transform a person's approach to the trials and tribulations of life, and offer this full menu of benefits while living hopeful and thriving lives.
As we embrace the science of positive thinking, we have the power to enhance not only our own well-being but also a more positive, resilient society. The evidence is clear: cultivating a positive outlook is good for the soul but also benefits our health, our success, and our relationships, so it’s clearly a good path for anyone who’s interested in living their highest quality of life.