Steps to LivingWell

Does seeing the glass half full mean you will be healthier later in life? A growing body of evidence suggests that positive thinking does correlate with less illness and longer lives. In general, people who maintain a positive attitude tend to make healthier lifestyle choices, get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet and have lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.

Negative thoughts can sneak into your mind and, before you know it, you’re focused upon them. The first step is to identify a negative thought so you can cast it away. The best way I know to label a thought is to ask yourself if thinking it makes you feel lousy. Other positive thinking tips may include:

• Pray, meditate and have gratitude
• Recall happy moments such as weddings and births
• Read positive quotes to reinforce positive thinking
• Have fun and smile J

Try to focus and put your energy on positive thinking and reasons to feel happy and hopeful every day and you may discover that positive thinking really does help you feel better.

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”  ― Abraham Lincoln