Are people with a positive disposition happier?
Do optimists have a higher level of satisfaction in their lives?
Are positive people healthier?
Consider the following from the Harvard School of Public Health:
Keys to a happier, healthier life
Research suggests that certain personal attributes—whether inborn or shaped by positive life circumstances—help some people avoid or healthfully manage diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and depression. These include:
Emotional vitality: a sense of enthusiasm, hopefulness, engagement
Optimism: the perspective that good things will happen and that one’s actions account for the good things that occur in life
Supportive networks of family and friends
Being good at “self-regulation,” i.e. bouncing back from stressful challenges and knowing that things will eventually look up again; choosing healthy behaviours such as physical activity and eating well; and avoiding risky behaviours such as unsafe sex, drinking alcohol to excess, and regular overeating
How to be more positive:
Be mindful and aware of your thoughts throughout your day
Stop any negative thoughts or reactions immediately
Slow down, take a calm moment and consider how you can change your thoughts or inner voice
Let the past go knowing that you've learned from any mistakes and you're looking forward to a better future
Create positive inner thoughts
Change your inner dialogue from negative to positive:
"I can't do this" "I'm looking forward to this challenge"
"I'm not good at this" "Here's an opportunity to better myself"
"I hate doing this" "I'll feel fantastic after this accomplishment"
Be positive and beyond
Spend a few quiet moments each day to reflect on the good things in your life
Tell yourself the things you want to feel and who you want to be
Retrain your morning thoughts and routine to start the day off great
Do you agree that positive thoughts create positive feelings and attract positive life experiences?
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