Which is your strongest trait—pessimism or optimism? How do these words make you feel?
If you’re unsure, the inquiry can be better phrased as, “How do you feel about your life?” How do you envision the future? More rainbows and butterflies or more suffering and misery?
Being inherently optimistic is quite tough in today’s environment. It would be cynical to claim that happiness is now simple given our hectic, fast-paced lifestyles and the continual negativity, scarcity, violence, and terror we are exposed to on TV and online .Given the current state of our economy and the uncertainties surrounding the future, the coronavirus epidemic added yet more burden to our already heavy plates.
In certain situations, it is possible to unconsciously fall into a negative frame of mind. One day, you simply awaken and wonder, “When did it all go south?”
A negative outlook will inevitably lead to overall life dissatisfaction and alienation from others. If you’ve tried to alter or affect the world around you and had a few disappointing encounters, it’s possible that this has just led to more dissatisfaction.
Yet, there is always one thing you can alter in yourself, which is a big task but doable if you really want it. How?
through developing a positive outlook.
Although it may sound trite, numerous scientific studies have proven the advantages of having an optimistic outlook. A positive outlook can change the game because it will further enhance and improve your attitude and behaviour, as well as make you happy overall.
Let’s have a look into ways how one could develop a positive mindset and attitude.
“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” – Mahatma Gandhi
What is Positive Mindset and Attitude?
The action-reaction cycle between thoughts, life, and destiny is best described by Gandhi’s wise comments in the aforementioned quotation. Thinking positively makes you speak and act more optimistically, which has a good effect on your habits, values, and future. Great, isn’t that right?
It’s simple to advise someone to “think positively,” but what exactly does that entail?
When faced with problems in life, practising positive thinking does not mean burying your head in the sand. It’s not about ignorance or ignoring issues, as is frequently assumed.
It entails approaching challenging circumstances with more productivity and happiness. It must, however, be supported by logic and reason. It is against common sense to anticipate the worst potential conclusion in every circumstance. in addition to having an unrelentingly cheerful attitude. Self-talk and introspection are the first steps in developing a good mindset, and they are based on a thorough examination of your environment.
Positive thinking, according to psychologist Kendra Cherry, includes a number of perspectives on reality:
a positive outlook when tackling obstacles;
maximising potentially negative circumstances;
attempting to find the best in others;
thinking positively about yourself and your skills.
You might be wondering, “Why do I need it now that we’ve defined what a positive mentality is? ” after reading this. What do I stand to gain if I alter my attitude.
Why Positivity Is Very Crucial
The four key spheres of life that can be enhanced by this kind of attitude are listed below as the simplest method to illustrate the significance of having a positive outlook on life:
Physical,
mental,
interpersonal, and
professional well-being.
Read More: How To Manage Stress and Anxiety In Today’s Fast Paced World – About Pakistan
What Effect Does Positivity Have on Physical Health?
Repetition is the mother of learning, as you surely already know, and our psychological characteristics and conditions have a significant impact on our physical health.
The organ that suffers the most when we are under a lot of stress, frequently feel angry, or are nervous is our heart. According to a 2016 medical study, persons who showed optimism and a positive outlook had a much lower risk of cardiovascular disease. There are two plausible reasons for this, both of which are accurate:
Individuals with a positive outlook practise healthier habits, such as eating wholesome foods, working out frequently, rarely smoking, and consuming less alcohol. They also feel less stress. Our essential organ systems, particularly the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, are at risk from stress-related hormones and neurotransmitters (digestive). According to a 2008 study, cortisol and adrenaline levels are often lower in persons who are thinking positively.
These findings are in agreement with those from Queensland, Australia. Focusing on good news can boost their immune systems, according to studies done with volunteers from the elder generation.
To put the cherry on top, it also turns out that people with a positive attitude have a longer lifespan. This link persisted regardless of sex, culture, and even habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
What do these results mean?
A positive mindset is a protective factor for our physical well being.
However, as it turns out, it’s all happening “in our heads”. How?
How Can Mental Health Become Better With a Positive Attitude?
We shall once more look to science for the solution to this quandary.
It’s okay to acknowledge that everyone experiences occasional anxiety or depression and that these feelings occasionally become intolerable to the point where we turn to medical assistance.
Excessive worrying, which is hallmark of generalised anxiety disorder, can be successfully replaced with a positive outlook, according to research done on individuals who experienced it. Following a four-week course in positive imagery, the participants reported having fewer worrisome and anxious thoughts.
Similar principles apply to treating depression: a cognitive-behavioral treatment approach advises changing negative beliefs with realistic and uplifting ones in order to lessen depressive symptoms.
A positive mindset generally fosters mindfulness and happy feelings, which help our psychological health as a whole. It serves as preventative, much like with physical health.
Relationships and a Good Mentality
It goes without saying that positive people are more enjoyable to be around. You don’t need science to know that you like to interact with people that smile, pay attention to you, are sympathetic, and see the positive side of everything. If you do ask science, it will probably confirm that people who are positive do have better and more coherent social networks.
What Benefits Does a Good Attitude Have for Your Career?
All of this can be summed up by the idea of psychological capital. Hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism are four psychological resources that it includes that offer superior coping techniques. People with greater psychological capital are more devoted to and content with their jobs, according to a 2004 study. At work, they frequently do better and experience less pressure or worry.
It’s very simple: happier workers are more productive, creative, and get higher supervisor ratings, according to research by positive psychologist Sonya Lyubomirsky and her colleagues. They thus earn more money as well!
This means that encouraging a positive outlook benefits both the company and the personnel.
You can actually increase your wealth along with becoming happier, healthier, more connected, and contented.
strategies for cultivating and maintaining an optimistic outlook
Anybody can use the power of a positive outlook, as was already established. Here are some suggestions to assist you in creating and maintaining a happy mindset.
Surround yourself with positive individuals.
Your friends greatly affect how you think. Would you like to be with those who have a bad attitude and always complain? Or would you prefer to be surrounded by upbeat, joyful individuals who encourage you?
You pick up pleasant sentiments from other people, which motivates you to keep an optimistic outlook and improve yourself.
Work on your soul
You must put in the effort — the Inner Work — in order to keep a good outlook. Reflecting on your inner world will help you better understand how to interact with the outside world. This can be accomplished by doing breathing exercises, keeping a journal, or considering your behaviour.
Looking inward has numerous advantages. Improved decision-making, greater confidence, and improved connections with coworkers are just a few.
Practice visualisation
Positive circumstances are attracted by optimistic attitudes. One effective method for achieving your goals with just your mind is visualisation.
All you have to do is visualise the ideal result in every circumstance and experience the joy of having attained it. This method is used by accomplished athletes like LeBron James and Katie Ledecky to accomplish their sporting objectives.
Meditate
You must learn to regulate your negative ideas if you want to cultivate and keep up a positive frame of mind.
Daily meditation teaches your mind to stay centred in the present moment and assists you in letting go of unhelpful feelings like worry, fear, and anxiety.
Read More: Stress Resistance Techniques For Work And Life – About Pakistan
Start developing an optimistic outlook on life.
Your mindset affects your success and wellbeing.
You may be at your best at work if you have a happy outlook. Your performance, professional connections, and resiliency could all be enhanced. The good news is that a constructive mindset can be developed.
