Health

5 Ways Positive Thinking Can Change Your Life

Looking on the bright side can go a long way. Learn how a positive attitude can transform your life for the better

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It Creates a Sound Mind "Positive thinking absolutely affects your mental health," says Dr. Chloe Carmichael, who holds a PhD in clinical psychology. "Depression and anxiety have been directly linked to negative thoughts, so it is definitely in your best interests to focus on the bright side." Changing your outlook can eventually revamp your attitude long term.

"The brain tends to repeat familiar things over and over, going over established neuronal pathways. Repeating a mantra, an affirmation, or a choice over and over creates new pathways, which eventually become automatic. The new thoughts will run through your head like the old thoughts did, or like a popular song you've heard repeatedly," says Tina B. Tessina, PhD, psychotherapist and author of "It Ends With You: Grow Up and Out of Dysfunction."

Automatic positive thoughts allow for a mental foundation that puts your mind at ease. This in turn makes you better equipped to make difficult decisions and helps you to stop second-guessing yourself. With clear goals and less-clouded judgment, your motivation and desire to reach such goals will be increased since you will see them as attainable.

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Older comments

positive thinking is a great tool. thank you for the article

by venenumletalis Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 02:56PM Report as inappropriate

Good things to remember

by loufig29 Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 03:27AM Report as inappropriate

I've heard lots of reasons to practice positive thinking, but it never occurred to me before that it could improve your looks.

by purple9a Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 06:26PM Report as inappropriate

I had no idea that cortisol affects your glow!

by Roxalyn Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 04:45PM Report as inappropriate

really good and informative article!

by voyager24 Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 09:34AM Report as inappropriate

Interesting article. I will keep in mind during stressful times.

by Sari Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 09:13AM Report as inappropriate

Positive thinking is the best thing you can do for yourself

by yestfl Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 07:39PM Report as inappropriate

Yes to destress!

by EricaC123 Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 04:28PM Report as inappropriate

This is one of my FAVORITE pieces ever! My mom worked for college psychology professors when I was growing up, and I devoured book after book about positive thinking and a healthy mental attitude. It has a HUGE impact on your appearance and the way things work out in your life; we are what we THINK. Applause, applause for this!

by GigiSD Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 01:01PM Report as inappropriate

its good to try to do positive thinking

by butterfly11 Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 11:17AM Report as inappropriate