Paging Dr. Frischer: Positive Thinking

The answer may seem obvious, but the question is intriguing: Does a positive outlook matter? It’s so easy to be critical and pessimistic; we live in a complex world. But will we live longer if we see our glass as half full, and not half empty?

Positive thinking does not imply that we ignore life’s challenges; it means that we approach unpleasantness in a more productive way, envisioning the best outcome and not merely the worst. It begins with self-talk, the stream of unspoken thoughts that run through our head. If the thoughts that run through our head are mostly negative, then our outlook on life is more likely to be pessimistic. If the opposite is true, then we are likely an optimist.

Valid studies have shown that positive thinking is a key step in stress management, and that managing stress is associated with many health benefits, including:

· an increased life span

· lower rates of depression

· lower levels of distress and pain

· greater resistance to illness

· better psychological and physical well-being

· better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke

· reduced risk of death from cancer

· reduced risk of death from respiratory conditions

· reduced risk of death from infections

· better coping skills during times of hardship and stress

The mechanism of how positive thinking impacts our health is not completely clear. The theory is that positive thinking enables us to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on the body. In addition, it is likely that positive and optimistic people tend to live healthier lifestyles, get more physical activity, consume better diets, sleep better, and don’t smoke or drink to excess.

Our first step to a more positive life is to recognize negative thinking. Let’s pay attention to whether we tend to filter out the good stuff, make everything personal, anticipate the worst, blame others, magnify a situation, set impossible standards, or see things in black and white; good or bad.

How can you learn to turn negative thinking into positive thinking? Creating a new habit sounds simple but takes a lot of practice. Identify areas you would like to change. Identify a positive way to resolve those parts of your life. Check in with yourself often. Try to put a positive spin on negative thoughts. Be open to using humor; let yourself smile and laugh. Work on changing your lifestyle to a more positive one, including diet, exercise and sleep. Add some hugs to your daily life. Surround yourself with positive people, and limit exposure to those who are not. Work on your self-talk, and use positive affirmations when negative thoughts appear.

Don't expect to become an optimist overnight. But with practice, our self-talk will contain less self-criticism and more self-acceptance, and we will become less critical of the world around us. I assure you that improving the ways in which we manage everyday stress will benefit our health.