Cathy Liska By guest blogger Tiffany Kalinka
The use of positive thought and positive language is becoming more and more significant as researchers learn more about its effects on the brain. There is a very clear difference in the function of the brain when we think positively rather than negatively. Positive thinking both makes us feel better and allows us to function better, which increases value in our lives.
So, how do we become more positive? How do we practice positive thought and get to the point where negative, limiting language is completely eliminated from our vocabulary? According to research done by Barbara Fredrickson and her colleagues, there are three tools we can use to make positive thinking become part of our daily routines.
Meditation: According to Fredrickson, during her study, the people who meditated daily continued to display increased mindfulness, purpose in life, social support, and better health. Meditation appears to have a lasting effect on the brain, both emotionally and physically.
Writing: In the study done by Fredrickson, she examined students writing positive material versus individuals writing in a control group. After three days, results showed that the “students who wrote about positive experiences had better mood levels, fewer visits to the health center, and experienced fewer illnesses.” These results are profound in that they were experienced after only three days of writing positively. Writing with positivity, whether in a daily journal, blog, or diary has a significant effect on our mood, our attitude, and our physical health.
Play: As we go through life working, scheduling appointments, and taking care of our responsibilities, we tend to forget to have fun. Making time for fun in our lives helps us to think positively. We feel happier when we are enjoying life, we appreciate our lives more, look towards the future with hope and excitement, and expand our minds to the many possibilities that lay ahead.
Positive thinking can be achieved using these three tools along with many other techniques that inspire us to be positive. The effects are long lasting and have a great impact on how we live our lives. Coach training taught us to focus on the positive and incorporate positive language in our work.
