Becoming an optimist in 2020 will have many valuable health results for your body and mind. In 1937, W. Clement Stone, my Mother’s employer (at the time) and the founder of Combined Insurance Company, became the author of his first book on Positive Mental Attitude (PMA). Mr. Stone (1902-2002) lived to be a Centenarian – quite an accomplishment for the 20th Century. The philanthropist was followed by author, Norman Vincent Peale in 1952, with his book on the same subject. Indeed, PMA writings still today, outsell every other published book on the market for that year. How is this possible?
The positive health kickbacks from learning daily positive thinking tactics make these stress relief teachings well-worth individual’s reading encounters. Mayo Clinic gives us these health benefits gained from stress relief:
1. Our immunity becomes stronger to fight germs.
2. We reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular problems.
3. Individuals suffer less depression and have lower levels of distress.
4. Like W. Clement Stone, an increased life span is often the outcome.
5. Better coping skills during hardships are learned.
6. In general, we develop stronger psychological and physical well-being.
In addition to my tips from Part 1 on this topic, here are suggestions from Cleveland and Mayo Clinics for additional ways to “plant the seeds” of hope needed in today’s world through positive thinking and optimism:
1. Use positive thinking and positive self-talk (throughout the day) images, events, or ideas to build your self-confidence.
2. Get daily exercise and lead an active life. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins (hormones) which signal happiness to the body. These hormones help the body cope with feelings of stress and pain. Swimming and yoga are excellent exercises for this purpose.
3. In taking responsibility to achieve progress for certain realistic goals in your life, a to-do-list, separating your numerous tasks, becomes a valuable daily/weekly/monthly asset. You’ll gain the feeling of self-accomplishment for every task achieved.
4. You need to focus on solutions for problems, not the problems themselves. Refocus away from the negative by brainstorming with possible long-term goals.
5. It becomes necessary to not second-guess your decisions. If things don’t work out for you, take the time to reassess the situation. If necessary, find an alternate solution.
6. Ask for help. Humans are social animals. We all, at times, need to get help from our community made up of spouses, family members, and close friends.
7. Finally, remind yourself to be grateful for what you have. Choose the happiness state of mind by practicing daily gratitude. Look at life through a glass half full, not half empty.
8. Find balance in your life between work (of any sort) and play time.
9. When necessary, connect with a psychiatrist and/or a psychologist or other clinical therapist for stress relief.
10. Eat and sleep sensibly for body and mind optimum health.
11. Don’t be afraid to assert yourself, but respect others’ opinions.
12. Just laugh as much as possible!
ALERT: According to the Mayo Clinic Staff, “Positive thinking must be tempered by reality. It is much better to tell yourself something that’s positive and falls into the boundaries of what you believe, than outlandishly optimistic statements.”
