We’ve all heard the sayings about the power of positive thinking. But what many of us haven’t heard of is the power that those positive thoughts can have on our physical health and social environment. If more of us were aware of the benefits from a simple state of mind, imagine what a world we could live in. Change your mind, change your life.

Here 10 ways positive thinking can improve your health.

Positive thinking can improve physical health:

1. Positive thinking can improve the immune system.

With recent events worldwide, current medical research has focused on ways the immune system functions and can be improved. In a similar effect, psychological studies show that people recover from illnesses such as flu and colds faster and are less symptomatic than compared with people who have a more negative thought process.

2. Positive thinking can decrease blood pressure.

By having more positive thinking, stress becomes less of a factor in your life. As a result, all of those negative side effects from stress also become irrelevant. Heart disease, high blood pressure, and other heart-related effects will become less significant if not eliminated completely. It’s not just a state of mind, but positive thinking can literally save your life.

3. Positive thinking can increase resilience.

People who have positive thoughts also have better coping skills. As a result, they are better at healing after a medical setback. Not only is the immune system improved as mentioned, but healing after surgical procedures, fractures, and other acute injuries have been shown to be faster than negative counterparts.

4. Positive thinking contributes to longevity.

On average, people with the power of positive thinking average a lifespan of 10 years longer than those with negative thoughts. This is due to a culmination of all of these physical benefits that allow you to enjoy improved health and physical function longer into your golden years.

5. Positive thinking can increase pain tolerance.

Nobody wants to have to tolerate pain, but there are times where you might not have a choice. Let’s say you overdo it on that new workout fad and you wake up barely able to move. With positive thinking, your mindset reduces the focus on pain and discomfort.

 

Positive thinking can improve social health:

Social perception of people is so important in today’s world of social media where “image is everything”. If you are perceived as positive, society will place a higher value and level of respect on your decisions, opinions, and overall level of interaction. Whether you are working in a corporation or business for sales or you are an individual striving to make your mark on the world, here’s how positive thinking can help you do that:

6. Positive thinking contributes to leadership skills.

People who have more positive thoughts are more likely to be hired for jobs in a leadership position. Similarly, people with more positive thoughts are more likely to be promoted to a leadership position. Studies show that positive people are more likely to be followed by employees. Another example is that salespeople who are positive have more sales than those who are perceived as negative.

7. Positive thinkers enjoy life more.

People who have more positive thoughts have an overall better love for life. They are often more socially outgoing, interacting with people and their community, and enjoying their environment and surroundings to the fullest.

8. Positive thinking increases self-esteem.

Self-esteem is a natural by-product of positive thinking. If you think positively, then you will have more confidence in yourself and in the situation you are in. And, again, people are attracted to people with a healthy dose of self-esteem. Just make sure to keep your self-esteem in check before it turns into arrogance and you lose those people you lead.

9. Positive thinking helps create healthier relationships.

Relationships are perhaps the most difficult thing in life for many people to master. But studies show that people with a positive outlook not only find their perfect partner but stay married longer. You can also put those interpersonal skills to good use in the workplace by forging positive relationships with coworkers and potential clients.

10. Positive thinking produces better habits.

With positive thinking comes more social awareness and better-coping skills. People make better decisions with such things as drinking, exercising, and eating better. They are more socially aware of their actions and how they are perceived. They are less likely to give in to social pressures that aren’t good for them. Their decision-making skills are more detailed and objective and geared to a better overall outcome for everyone involved.

The social and physical aspects begin to intertwine as well.  As you have more social opportunities and develop more relationships, you tend to celebrate life a little more. Your stress goes down as more and more positive things happen for you. Your overall health is now increased and you feel better than ever. And when something happens that affects your health, you are now able to cope and heal faster than before.  Above all, the positive thinking lifestyle takes effort but is an effort well worth it.

How have you used the power of positivity to change your life?  Share with others in the discussion below!