Maintaining a positive attitude can have a remarkable impact on your overall well-being and even extend your lifespan. Numerous medical studies have shown that individuals who think positively have a lower risk of mortality compared to those who have a negative outlook on life. If you're looking to cultivate and sustain a positive attitude towards your future, there are certain practices that can help you achieve this. Here are some suggestions from the Harvard Special Health Report on Positive Psychology:
Savor Pleasure
One way to sustain a positive attitude is to savor moments of pleasure. Take the time to fully appreciate and enjoy pleasant experiences as they occur. While we often cherish special occasions such as weddings or vacations, everyday pleasures can go unnoticed unless we consciously slow down and focus on them. Whether it's a delicious meal or a visit with a friend, savoring the experience will enhance your enjoyment.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude involves appreciating and being thankful for the things you receive, whether tangible or intangible. Try keeping a gratitude journal where you regularly write down things you are grateful for. This exercise will help you cultivate a greater sense of appreciation and prevent you from taking blessings for granted. As you jot down your thoughts, be specific and try to relive the sensations you felt when you received each blessing.
Cultivate Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of training your mind to focus on the present moment, accepting whatever arises without judgment. While savoring involves appreciating pleasurable sensations, mindfulness expands your capacity to embrace both positive and negative experiences. By fully engaging in activities and staying fully present, mindfulness allows you to avoid excessive worry about the future, regrets about the past, and concerns about success and self-esteem. It also promotes deeper connections with others.
Retain a Sense of Purpose
Life changes can sometimes leave you feeling lost or grieving. During such trying times, it's essential to maintain a sense of normalcy and focus on what you can control. Establish a regular sleep schedule, engage in regular exercise, consume nutritious meals, and stay connected with loved ones. Rather than viewing significant life changes as purely negative, see them as opportunities for personal growth and new challenges. If you find yourself between jobs or retired, consider volunteering and utilizing your professional skills. If you miss having children in your life, explore coaching or tutoring opportunities. Supporting others who are going through similar experiences can also be a source of healing. Appreciating your ability to navigate difficult times will help you maintain a positive attitude.
Emphasize the Positive
Focusing on the positive aspects of a situation is crucial for building resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity. This resilience will help you weather the inevitable losses that may occur as you age. Older individuals consistently report greater satisfaction with life, despite the accumulated losses that come with time. This may be attributed to their ability to minimize the negative, accept limitations, leverage their experience, and set realistic goals for the future. By adopting these practices early in life, you can have a significant impact on the quality and potentially the length of your life.
Remember, cultivating a positive attitude is a lifelong journey. Practice these strategies regularly, and you'll see the transformative effects they have on your well-being and overall outlook on life.
By Beverly Merz Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
