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 Strengthens Your Body At first glance, positive thinking may seem to only directly affect your mental health, but a shift in attitude can be just as beneficial for your physical health. "Positive thinking reduces the effects of stress hormones on the body and allows the body to draw on its innate healing abilities," Damon explains. "Negative thinking, however, activates centers of the brain that cause stress hormones to be released. This hormonal cascade, if not managed properly, can lead to many of the disorders and diseases that commonly afflict people today."

In the long run, regularly harboring positive thoughts can make your body more resilient and help it combat ailments by releasing neurohormones to offset stress hormones. "It's like righting a ship on the water so one can continue smooth sailing," says Damon. "If the negative thoughts prevail, the ship runs the risk of capsizing and the body becomes worn down, exhausted, and the immune system is weakened."

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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