Research has found that positive thinking can aid in stress management and even plays an important role in your overall health and well-being. It can help combat feelings of low self-esteem, improve physical health, and help brighten your overall outlook on life.
Positive thinking does not necessarily mean avoiding difficult situations. Instead, positive thinking means making the most of potential obstacles, trying to see the best in other people, and viewing yourself and your abilities in a positive light.
Positive thinking is linked to a wide range of health benefits, including:
- Better stress management and coping skills
- Enhanced psychological health
- Greater resistance to the common cold
- Increased physical well-being
- Longer life span
- Lower rates of depression
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease-related death
The effect of positive thinking in the gym:
You can trick your brain into enjoying exercise by entering it with a positive mindset. Telling yourself you’re enjoying the exercise will over time lead to you truly enjoying it, until it no longer becomes a choice. This is also true with pushing yourself, if you tell yourself you can lift that heavier weight or run for longer its more likely to actually happen.
Whether you believe you can or you can’t.. you’re right!
So where to start..?
Start by following one simple rule: Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. Be gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with affirmations of what is good about you. Alternatively, try to think about things you’re thankful for in your life. Gratitude is often the first step of altering your mind to positive way of thinking. Often when beginning with positive thinking it really is best to fake it till you make it.