Norman Vincent Peale published a book in 1952 that stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for 186 weeks in a row, and you have probably heard of it. The Power of Positive Thinking is more than a cliché; it’s a book with more than 5 million copies sold in more than 15 languages. Peale was definitely on to something with his most widely published book. Positive thinking has undeniable benefits to our health and well-being.
Senior living community residents can often find many reasons to feel positive because they enjoy a fabulous, resort lifestyle complete with meals professionally prepared to please every palette. But the reality is that positivity comes more from within us than from our environment, though there is no doubt that environment has an impact on state of mind. The following are benefits of a positive mind and tips for being more positive.
Benefits of Positivity
It has been scientifically proven that what goes on in your mind has significance to your overall health and well-being. While the Oscar the Grouches of the world tend to be considered loveable, all the negativity is a cause for concern. Positive thinking is good for you just as negativity has undesirable repercussions. The following are benefits of positive thinking:
Coping with Stress
Everyone has to deal with stressful situations, and positivity helps to better cope during those times. It is much easier to resolve situations when keeping a positive outlook, even when things aren’t going well. An optimist focuses on a plan of action or asks for advice and help rather than dwelling on life’s frustrations and getting bogged down in them.
Improved Health
According to experts at the infamous Mayo Clinic, optimism is associated with the following benefits: less depression, increased lifespan, and fewer deaths associated with heart problems. Some speculate that the reason these factors are linked is because people with positive attitudes tend to live healthier lifestyles.
Stronger Immune System
Researchers have found that people with negative emotions had a weaker immune response to flu vaccinations. The conclusion from that and other studies is that thoughts and attitudes powerfully influence our immune systems. In simpler terms, having a positive attitude can help you avoid becoming ill.
Better Resilience
Many people have keenly observed that small children who get bumped and bruised as they learn to interact with the world are extremely resilient. That wonderful quality can continue with us through life if we maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of trauma. Without resilience, when adversity comes, people tend to “fall apart.” Positive thinking is all that is required to develop resilience in the face of life’s storms. The good news is that positivity can be cultivated.
How to be More Optimistic
If looking on the bright side doesn’t come naturally to you, take heart. You can reap the benefits of positivity by developing a more optimistic outlook. Focusing on the positive instead of the negative just naturally gives your life and your joy level a boost. For some people, it may be necessary to deal with unresolved issues in life. It’s important for us to live for the present and future and not perpetually in response to negatives in our past. A better life can be ahead for all of us, when we embrace positivity.
Eat well. The foods you put in your body can greatly affect your mood. If you eat healthy foods, your body operates at a more optimal level, and you simply feel better. It’s more difficult to keep a smile in your heart when bad eating choices keep you from enjoying an active lifestyle. Good nutrition is easy to achieve at Aston Gardens, since we have talented chefs cooking gourmet dishes that will also promote health.
Listen to music. Including more music in your life can give your mood a genuine boost, if you listen to your favorite tunes. There is hardly any denying that music is a powerful force with the power to brighten just about anyone’s day.
Choose positive thoughts. You have the power to choose which thoughts to entertain and which thoughts to throw out. Make it a practice to look for the bright side of every situation that tempts you toward negativity. Once you start practicing positivity, it can become an entirely natural choice.
Smile more. When you use your smile muscles, it inspires other people to do the same. It also releases chemicals in your body that promote a feeling of happiness.
Set and reach goals. It is easier to have a more positive outlook on life when you have goals that drive your life. Set small goals and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when you reach them. Even better, share your goals with others and enjoy their encouragement.
For more ideas on how to reap the benefits of positive thinking, consider getting a copy of Norman Vincent Peale’s massive best seller. In the meantime, think about positivity and taking personal steps to enjoy daily living and its many gifts.
Discovery Village At Tampa Palms offers a variety of senior living programs to keep seniors healthy and active. Learn about our senior living options and amenities today when you contact us at 813.605.2400
