The Domino Effect of Negative Thoughts

Lifestyle

Nov 12

Tips for a positive mindset Caroline Mitri CHHC.jpg

The average person has an estimated 70,000 thoughts per day! Take a moment to think about the thoughts that run through your mind. Are they positive and uplifting? “Today is going to be an amazing day!” Or, negative and self-defeating? “I don’t have the energy to get through today.”

Picture a big glass goblet filled to the halfway mark with water. How do you see it—half-full or half-empty? Consistently finding the glass half-empty—and the world is a difficult place— is a hallmark of negativity.

Research has found that a negative outlook can contribute to everything from depression to heart disease to lowered immune system function. It can affect sleep, weight maintenance, the quality of your relationships, your social life, and even your ability to hold a job. Conversely, negative thoughts can create a domino effect of destructive energy. Falling into a spiral of negativity tremendously affects how you live your life and how others perceive you.

Positive thoughts, on the other hand, boost your mood, spirit, and tend to generate even more positivity and happiness in your life. Now imagine what it would feel like to approach life from a place of positivity, fun, connection, health, and possibility. Sounds good, doesn’t it? How do I do it?

Here are 6 Simple Tips to Make a Positive Switch:

• Go complaint-free. Try going an hour without complaining and see the positive things in your life. Next, try a day, a week, and so on.

• Keep a gratitude journal. Each evening, list 3 or more things that you are grateful for.

• Give compliments freely. Notice the good in others. Praise every person you interact with.

• Find beauty in everything and everywhere in your world. Notice its magnificence.

• Share your good news. Studies show that sharing happy events brings even more happiness.

• Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want.

• Do good for someone else and notice how your spirits elevate as well.

You don’t have to accept the negative internal chatter.

Choose to switch to a happier perception and reach for better thoughts.

It takes a little practice, but soon enough, your mind will gravitate to the brighter side of life. Remember, practice makes perfect!

According to Dr. Daniel Amen, a well know American psychiatrist who has conducted many studies on the brain and has authored many books including: “Change your Brain Change your Life” and “Change your Brain Change your Body”, this is what a positive brain versus negative brain look like. Enough to scare you? It mortifies me! Oops! Did this sound negative? It inspires me to stay positive…Are you on board for setting and practicing a positive mindset?