Health

5 Ways Positive Thinking Can Change Your Life

Looking on the bright side can go a long way. Learn how a positive attitude can transform your life for the better

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See the glass half full, find the silver lining, look on the bright side...there are endless platitudes and clichés that are so regularly recited, they don't seem to carry much meaning. This seems especially true on the days when metaphorical rain pours down on your metaphorical parade, or when a storm cloud seems to be hovering over your head for days on end. But taking a closer look at optimism reveals these everyday turn of phrases actually have the right idea in mind. When put into routine practice, positive thinking can change your whole life for the better...and in more ways than one.

Now, this may run the risk of sounding pessimistic, but of course, there is a slight catch. Becoming a positive thinker isn't as simple as looking at a colorful "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster more often. "It's easier said than done," says Noelle Damon, a holistic psychotherapist. "It takes practice. Positive thinking is not to be confused with a belief that everything is OK or should be OK. It's about maintaining balance even when it isn't." Now for the good news: Once you equip yourself with the proper tools to transform negative thoughts into positive ones, you'll begin to notice a change, not only in yourself, but in other aspects of your life from relationships to even your physical appearance.

To help you get started on the path toward optimism, we asked professional therapists and psychologists to not only reveal the many benefits of positive thinking, but to offer advice on how to incorporate the practice for long term effects. Click ahead to learn the five ways positive thinking can change your life and how you can start being more positive today.

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Older comments

positive thinking is a great tool. thank you for the article

by venenumletalis Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 02:56PM Report as inappropriate

Good things to remember

by loufig29 Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 03:27AM Report as inappropriate

I've heard lots of reasons to practice positive thinking, but it never occurred to me before that it could improve your looks.

by purple9a Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 06:26PM Report as inappropriate

I had no idea that cortisol affects your glow!

by Roxalyn Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 04:45PM Report as inappropriate

really good and informative article!

by voyager24 Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 09:34AM Report as inappropriate

Interesting article. I will keep in mind during stressful times.

by Sari Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 09:13AM Report as inappropriate

Positive thinking is the best thing you can do for yourself

by yestfl Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 07:39PM Report as inappropriate

Yes to destress!

by EricaC123 Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 04:28PM Report as inappropriate

This is one of my FAVORITE pieces ever! My mom worked for college psychology professors when I was growing up, and I devoured book after book about positive thinking and a healthy mental attitude. It has a HUGE impact on your appearance and the way things work out in your life; we are what we THINK. Applause, applause for this!

by GigiSD Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 01:01PM Report as inappropriate

its good to try to do positive thinking

by butterfly11 Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 11:17AM Report as inappropriate