The Domino Effect of Negative Thoughts
The average person has an estimated 70,000 thoughts per day, and much of what we say and think tends to be negative. Take a moment to consider the thoughts that run through your mind daily. Are they positive and uplifting, like “Today is going to be an amazing day!” or are they negative and self-defeating, like “I don’t have the energy to get through today”?
Imagine a large glass filled halfway with water. How do you see it—half-full or half-empty? Consistently seeing the glass as half-empty—and the world as a challenging place—is a classic sign of a negative mindset.
Negative thoughts result in negative life experiences. Research has found that a pessimistic outlook can contribute to health issues ranging from depression and heart disease to weakened immune function. It can also impact sleep, weight management, social relationships, and even career stability . Furthermore, negative thoughts can create a domino effect, generating destructive energy and leading to a spiral that profoundly impacts your life and shapes your interactions not only with others, but also with yourself.
Positive thinking, on the other hand, can boost your mood and spirit, and tends to generate even more positivity and happiness in your life. Remember, what you focus on grows!
Now, imagine what it would feel like to approach life with positivity, connection, fun, health, fulfillment, and endless possibility. Sounds good, doesn’t it? So, how can you make that shift?
Six Simple Tips to Make a Positive Switch:
Go complaint-free: Try going an hour without complaining. Focus on the positive things in your life. Then extend it—try a day, a week, and so on.
Keep a gratitude journal: Each evening and/or morning, write down three or more things you’re grateful for.
Compliment freely: Notice the good in others and praise each person you interact with.
Find beauty in everything: Look for beauty everywhere and appreciate life’s magnificence.
Share good news: Studies show that sharing positive events can bring even more happiness.
Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want: What you do not want tends to be negative while what you desire is positive.
You don’t have to accept the negative internal chatter in your head. You have the ability to retrain your thinking and speaking into positive patterns, if you long for a fulfilling life. Become aware and conscious of these thoughts, slam the brakes on any negative thinking and replace it with positive thoughts. Choose to shift your perspective and reach for healthier thoughts.
According to Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned psychiatrist and brain health expert, a positive brain differs significantly from a negative brain. He explains this in his books, Change Your Brain, Change Your Life and Change Your Brain, Change Your Body. The visual difference below is mortifying! 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? The benefits are clear!
Healthy Positive Brain
Happier
Healthier
Wealthier
Wiser
Better decisions
Unhealthy Negative Brain
Sadder
Sicker
Poorer
Less wise
Poorer decisions
It takes practice, but soon enough, your mind will naturally gravitate to the brighter side of life. Remember: practice makes progress.
As Winston Churchill said, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” You have the power to create the life of your dreams—So choose positive!
To Your Health!
References
Mindfulness Meditation and Immune Function. National Center for Biotechnology Information. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
Positive Social Connections and Happiness. University of California, Berkeley. www.berkeley.edu.
