The power of positive thinking: how your thoughts can shape your life
"I think I am happy, so I am." What if the key to daily happiness lay in positive thinking? While optimism is not necessarily innate, practicing positive thinking teaches us not only to see life from the bright side but also to attract joy and calmness to ourselves. Why not take advantage of the summer to learn to see life through rose-colored glasses? Follow the guide!
Positive thinking: what is it?
Philosophy, trend, or true way of life: positive thinking is based on the principle that by focusing on what we want, we will get it. Thus, by practicing seeing the glass as half full and always directing our thoughts positively, one would reach a state of heightened well-being and calm.
Whether physically or mentally, the beneficial effects of positive thinking are well established. Indeed, many studies have shown that people who nurture negative emotions are generally more prone to anxiety, stress, and depression. These states lead to mood, appetite, or sleep disorders, which affect many bodily functions.
Negativity: a vicious circle
When thinking of positive thinking, the Coué method often comes to mind. This principle of positive self-suggestion ("I think I am not ill, so I will stay healthy") sometimes brings a smile. But did you know that we often tend to use the Coué method... backwards?
Indeed, in sophrology or hypnosis, it is believed that the unconscious part of the brain does not register negation. This means that when we formulate a thought negatively (for example: I do not want to miss my train), our unconscious hears the opposite: I want to miss my train. Our negative thoughts then take on prophetic airs. In other words, by repeating that we are clumsy, we end up stumbling!
The law of attraction
Highlighted by the book "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne, published in 2006, the Law of Attraction is based on the principle that positive thoughts attract happy experiences. Thus, by practicing focusing on pleasant thoughts and expressing desires positively, one would more easily obtain what one wants.
To put the Law of Attraction into practice, nothing could be simpler: just practice a little. Each day, try to express your wishes and thoughts positively. If you think "I do not want to fail," correct yourself and meditate on the thought "I want to succeed." And so on!
To go further, do not forget to show gratitude. We often tend to focus on what annoys us without taking the time to savor what brings us joy. Instead of grumbling about traffic jams that make you late, why not express gratitude for the extra time to finish your podcast? And instead of dwelling on troubles in the evening, why not choose to recall the best moments of your day?
By choosing to see life from the bright side, we gradually train our mind to detach from negative emotions and to focus on the positive. The result: better emotional management, a sense of well-being and calm, and a good dose of hopefulness. Enough to put oneself in the best frame of mind to reach one’s goals!
10 tips to cultivate positivity daily
- Live in the present moment to keep a calm mind. Leave the past where it is, and do not worry about tomorrow: a simple way to free your mind from many stressful and negative thoughts.
- Show kindness to yourself and others. By adopting an attitude full of empathy and always turned toward the positive, you spare yourself many pointless quarrels that only clutter your mind with negative waves.
- Protect yourself from negativity. If some people around you cause negative thoughts, feelings of inferiority, or unease, protect yourself by limiting your interactions with them. This advice also applies to social networks! Follow only accounts that inspire you and make you feel good!
- Write mantras to boost your self-confidence. Each day, set a positive intention for your day and write it down. Do not hesitate to reread it several times during the day to keep it easily in mind.
- Practice meditation to learn to focus on the positive. Known for its many benefits, mindfulness meditation helps accept negative thoughts and let them go, rather than trying to control them at all costs. Thus, it becomes easier to concentrate on joy, curiosity, and positive feelings in general.
- Let go to make peace with yourself. Accepting that you cannot control everything and that perfection is not of this world frees you from many demands that can lead to harmful and negative thoughts.
- Respect your body by adopting a good way of life: limit your intake of harmful or stimulating substances, drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet... A positive mind is above all a healthy body!
- Take time for yourself by allowing regular moments of well-being. Read an intriguing novel, practice a creative hobby, apply a refreshing face mask, listen to a fascinating podcast... So many ways to please yourself and stay in a positive frame of mind.
- Sleep enough to chase away negative thoughts. Lack of sleep increases stress levels, complicates emotional management, and thus favors the accumulation of intrusive or negative thoughts.
- Give without expecting anything in return. What if the secret of the "positive attitude" was above all to embody it? Each day, think about giving some of your time in a completely selfless and free way. Good vibes guaranteed!
- The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne – A true bestseller, this landmark book explains the Law of Attraction and reveals the secrets of positive thinking.
- The Power of Joy, by Frédéric Lenoir – A manifesto to learn to cultivate and provoke joy every day.
- The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale – A guide to meet your deepest aspirations and access a life filled with joy and satisfaction.
Joëlle Guillemot and the entire Omnisens team wish you a wonderful summer!
