I was amazed to learn that thinking positively benefits the whole body in so many different ways.
I knew it reduces stress and anxiety, makes us happier in general, and helps us sleep better.
However, I later learned and was pleasantly surprised that thinking good thoughts also lowers the risk of depression; strengthens our immunity making us more resistant to colds; decreases the risk of heart attacks and heart disease; and lowers blood pressure. So many benefits!
Armed with this knowledge, as a sandwich generation caregiver, I not only began to practice positive thinking myself but I advocated for it.
It was clear that practicing positive thinking helped me immensely and I was keen to spread the news.
In my day-to-day life, I noticed a marked difference in my well-being once I started thinking positively. Once a glass half empty person, I am now glass half full. Learning difficult life lessons as a caregiver helped me transition.
I’m now better at managing stress, experience fewer mood swings, and by using coping mechanisms to handle challenging moments my attitude is more consistent. I’m more open and willing to adapt to change and a better problem-solver. At work, I think more creatively and am building stronger leadership skills.
How to think positively?
- Make time for yourself – without time alone, you cannot breathe and think! A practical way to do this is to deactivate your devices. In particular, social media and new apps – either for short bursts of time (in a day) or for longer periods (I did it for 9 months).
- Spend time outside – going for walks is perfect to help clear your mind and get you thinking. And because you’re in nature, thoughts naturally become more positive. During walks, you can also practice breathing techniques to get oxygen to the brain.
3. Do what you enjoy – self-care is so important and when you’re actively doing what you love, your body and mind releases ‘feel good’ chemicals. In that moment, you can’t help but not think good thoughts.
4. Write it out – a lot of people find journalling helps them think positively. It makes sense that this is cathartic because you literally write out the negative thoughts and give thought to positive ones.
5. Appreciate the good things in life – it’s easy to get consumed in negative thoughts about what’s wrong in life. Trust me, I know! But if you can give a moment to think about the good things in life – things you are grateful for – again, you’re helping yourself release ‘happy hormones‘ into your mind-body system.
6. Recognise and accept what you cannot control – we can only control our own thoughts and actions, and letting things we can’t control ‘get to us’ will only do more damage, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
7. Connect and communicate – remember to keep connected with loved ones and trusted friends. After all, we are social beings and need human contact. Venting in a safe space with the people you love and trust, and finding humour and laughing with them, is important. It helps us look on the bright side, manage stress levels, and reduce heart rate.
8. Banish negative thoughts and feelings of stress & anxiety – whenever you feel negative thoughts creeping in or are in a state of stress and anxiousness, try the 5-4-3-2-1 Coping Technique for Anxiety.
9. Take a step back and into the shoes of a friend or family member – by putting yourself in their shoes to give advice to yourself, you can be more objective. It’s also less awkward to think positively in order to overcome stress, anxiety, and all the other physical ailments mentioned above.
10. Learn to practice mindfulness – studies suggest practicing mindfulness helps us manage stress, cope better with serious illnesses, and reduce anxiety and depression. Get more tips here including how the 4 C’s of mindfulness can help.
