Many times, we hear about people wanting to improve their well-being through diet and exercise and that is very important. Besides diet and exercise, a vital part of wellness is that of the mind and how our thoughts impact our health. Positive thinking is often an overlooked theme in the significance of wellness.
Positive thinking doesn’t eliminate so called “problems” and it is not a one-time strategy or exercise to try occasionally. What is does do is help you build confidence, view circumstances through different lenses, make beneficial choices, and better deal with adverse situations.
So, what is the science behind all of this?
Your thoughts control your feelings and when you have cheerful thoughts and experiences that bring you pleasure and joy, serotonin is released in the brain.  Serotonin is the “happy” hormone that improves your mood and creates a sense of well-being. Studies have shown that filling your mind with positive thoughts has a positive effect on your immune system with advantages of helping to fight off a common cold or lower a risk of developing coronary heart disease in women. Positive thinkers are better equipped to fight off bacteria and viruses and positive thinking is the key to emotional health.
Themes from chapters of Positive Living A Though Z that are addressed this month in Facebook posts include Chapters Q: Questions/The Importance of Asking Questions, and T: Thoughts/Think Positive Thoughts; The Key to Emotional Health. Collectively, these themes and all others in my book help you reduce stress in your life. Stress is caused by how your body responds to challenges and Positive Living gives you tools and strategies for dealing with everyday situations.
Regulate your thoughts with positive conditioning. Train your mind to reframe your situations. For example, if you are stuck in traffic, rather than getting frustrated, listen to relaxing music and see it as a way for your body to have some down time.  Get into the habit of discussing what is going well in your life or talk about the good that has happened to you rather than what is negative. Say to yourself “cancel” when negative thoughts arise. Select a positive statement and repeat it to yourself for five minutes at a time five times a day. Statements such as: “I am happy.” “Exercise is helping make me stronger and more confident.” “I am in good health.” This will assist you in subconsciously reprograming your mind and support you in being more positive and in control.
And what better way to reduce stress than by asking questions. Ask questions to clarify information rather than making assumptions. Act on facts rather than hearsay. The practice of asking questions helps you obtain knowledge to make decisions, respond to situations, or let things go. Acting, responding, or letting go are practices that reduce stress in your life and help make you emotionally stronger.
Show your strength by focusing on the good in your life, address challenges with an optimistic attitude and let go of that over which you have no control.
If you address the monthly themes and weekday posts on Facebook that speak to you, through daily practice, they will become automatic and a part of your repertoire of positive behavioral choices. You’ll begin to reprogram your thoughts and allow selfless actions to improve you as a person; thus, improving the world.
Take time this month to:
Ask questions. Build on the good in your life. Think happy thoughts.
Blessings,
Lora
