The Power of Positive Thinking

Positive thinking is more than just a nice way of viewing things. Principles of positive thought, like optimism and gratitude, are increasingly linked to greater mental well-being AND greater physical well-being. Optimism is linked to better health outcomes including increased protection against cardiovascular disease, fewer colds, higher longevity, and an increased likelihood of health-boosting behaviors. 

Now, positive thinking doesn’t necessarily come easily, but sometimes thinking beyond one moment and thinking instead about how our outlook affects our future can be a positive reframing tool. Think of it like this: good health creates positivity, and positivity generates good health.

[SOURCE: Seligman, 2011; Moore, Jackson, & Tschannen-Moran 2016]