Optimism: The Tremendous Benefits of a Positive Attitude
How many times have you heard someone say, "Hey, cheer up!" or "Turn that frown upside-down!"? Unconsciously we all seem to know that optimism is a virtue and that a negative outlook is something to be concerned about. And did you know that there are actually a host of concrete reasons why this is so? Medically speaking, anxiety, anger and stress can all do a lot of damage to the body. Too much stress has been shown in research to shorten a person's life span; in the shorter term it can wreak havoc on the skin as well as on the internal systems, including the immune system and other vital organs. Holding negative feelings inside can even throw the digestive functions of your body out of whack, too. So you see that a bad attitude isn't just something to be waved off or taken lightly-it can have a significant impact on your health. On the other hand, people who consistently exhibit a positive attitude are more likely to stay healthier, look fitter, and recover faster from any illnesses they do undergo. You may have heard stories about cancer patients who, seemingly because they managed to keep up their hope and spirits, somehow survived and beat their disease. There is certainly something about optimism that goes far beyond merely being "upbeat" or "perky"-it's a way of thinking and a way of living that actually improves your overall sense of wellbeing. Unfortunately, many of us are brought up only too familiar with the negative side of things. We live in a world full of upsetting events and everyday stresses. The key is to remind yourself not to let it dictate your emotional state. No matter what is happening around you, if you can develop your positive attitude at the core of your being, you will equip yourself to survive any challenge, any disappointment, any crisis, and any source of upset. Make a conscious effort to replace your negative thoughts and actions with positive ones. Instead of looking at a task and saying, "It's impossible," just commit to doing it and enjoying the challenge of a job well done. Instead of viewing an illness as "proof" of how hopeless your life is, look at it as your body's way of telling you that something needs to change, and then work on changing it. Every hardship, every seemingly impossible thing is actually a brilliant opportunity for you to show just how far you can push yourself to accomplish your goals. Expect some curveballs along the way and accept that they are an inevitable part of life. Whatever comes your way, exude positive energies to those around you, and it will be reflected back to you! Anna White is chief-editor and researcher in charge of SelfHelpCorner.com, a website dedicated to providing you 100% free self-help information that's practical, cutting-edge, and immediately useable in your life. To read part two of Anna's article visit Self Help Corner
MORE RESOURCES:
Yoga therapy for stressed out motormenTimes of India, India - 7 hours agoThe railways have now tied up with an NGO to study the effect of regular yoga on the health of stressed out motormen. Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute ... |
Yoga with a kickKOLD-TV, AZ - 12 hours agoBy Jenny Anchondo - email If you're tight and lack overall flexibility, the last thing you should attempt is yoga, right? Wrong. ... |
Hatha yoga at Rowley Public LibraryIpswich Chronicle, USA - 6 hours agoThe Rowley Public Library offers a mixed level Hatha yoga class for adults of all fitness levels Wednesdays Sept. 3-Oct. 29, 5:30-6:45 pm, in the Community ... |
The conventions: Good for a laughBoston Globe, United States - 5 hours agoI kept my eyes glued to Sara Avant Stover's pieces on the Yoga Journal website, where she has written on subjects like "The DNC's Challenge: Can You Walk ... |
Nikita, not dressed for the occasion?Times of India, India - 3 hours agoYoga guru Yogi Ashwini recently organised a spiritual healing session to promote the practice of yoga. Former Miss India-Universe Nikita Anand rued that she ... |
24 activities in 24 hoursThe Gazette (Montreal), Canada - 3 hours agoI'm not big on exercise routines, but an outdoor yoga session sounded like a work-out I could handle. Many Montreal studios offer summertime outdoor yoga ... |
Chair poses improve yoga techniquesLos Angeles Times, CA - 9 hours agoIf you're new to yoga, here's a way to modify the classic chair pose. Practice half-chair for a while before progressing to the more challenging full chair ... |
New classes offered at Odell WeeksAiken Standard (subscription), SC - 2 hours agoHansen and Evelyn Beck will lead the new Silver Sneakers Yoga Stretch class being offered by Aiken County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department starting ... |
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