Dhruv Thakkar-Grade 10 student
Attitude is a feeling or opinion about something or someone or a way of behaving. A positive attitude is being happy and optimistic in any situation. A more comprehensive definition from Kendra Cherry states, “Positive thinking actually means approaching life’s challenges with a positive outlook. It does not necessarily mean avoiding or ignoring the bad things; instead, it involves making the most of the potentially bad situations, trying to see the best in other people, and viewing yourself and your abilities in a positive light.”
Positive attitude helps manage problems and helps approach hardships more positively and productively. Few golden rules that each one should keep in mind:
- One should Focus on the good things
Unpleasing situations and barriers are a part of life. When you face one, keep your attention on the good things no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they seem. It is well said that “Good things take time”, so one should be patient and wait for the result. There must be a way out. One should never forget that “Where there is a will there is a way”. If you look for it, you can always find a “silver lining in every cloud”.
- One should Practice positive self-talk
In my opinion, everyone should practice positive self-talk because sometimes we know the answer but unable to get it at that instant. We tend to be harsh with ourselves and be our own worst critic. To stop this, we need to be mindful of the voice in our head and respond with positive messages, also known as positive self-talk.
Research shows that even a tiny shift in the way we talk to yourself can influence our ability to regulate our feelings, thoughts, and behaviour under stress.
Here’s an example of positive self-talk: Instead of thinking “I am not getting a way out of this situation”, try “I will find a better and a different way.”
- One should Open oneself up to laughter
Studies have found that laughter lowers stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves mood, and self-esteem besides boosting self-confidence.
Be open to humour in all situations, especially the difficult ones, and permit yourself to laugh. It instantly lightens the frame of mind and makes things seem a little less difficult, relieving oneself of unnecessary stress.
- One should Spend time with positive people
A positive person can lighten up everyone’s mood. The positive person has a different aura which is created by his positive thoughts. Negativity and positivity are communicable. Try spending time with positive people and it will bring wonders in your life.
Being around positive people has been shown to improve confidence and that increases our chances of reaching goals. Surround yourself with people who will lift you and help you see the bright side of life.
While we talk about these golden rules, let’s also understand the health benefits of positive thinking:
According to ‘John Hopkins Medicine’, researchers continue to explore the physical and mental health benefits of positive thinking and optimism that leads to:
· Increased life span
· Lower rates of depression
· Lower levels of distress
· Clear thinking and better-coping skills
· Greater resistance to the common cold
· Better psychological and physical well-being
· Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
· Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
It goes without saying that we can add positivity to our life through practice and reap the benefits that come along with optimism.
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