New research reveals the biological roots of positive thinking. How a rosy outlook can affect your health.
Comment: "The disparity between positive and pessimistic minds is especially prominent in areas of the brain that have been linked to depression."
Jeez, I never would have guessed that.
Comment: If the Law of Attraction is true, you tent to get what you expect, whether it is GOOD (positive) or BAD (negative). Every thought, feeling, word or act we have done in the past, being aware of them or not, now comes to our life as a harvest or attraction. What "ye sow, ye reap" . :)
Comment: I like your large lettering. Now I can sit back at my desk with my feet up instead of having to have my face up to the screen. Great move.
Comment: I totally agree with tonolaw. My personal approach to optimism is to remember how fortunate I am. No matter what adverse occurances my befall us, we can all find SOMETHING to be thankful for. When I need a boost, I force myself to analize and find something to feel thankful for. This breeds the optimistic thoughts for me. Its not a cure for pessimism or depression but it sure curtails selfish thinking and brings me a sense of peace.
Comment: Duh
Comment: Duh
Comment: Optimism is a choice. Believing that "*** happens" is a choice. Despite what happens to you and the world around you, it is 100% your choice how you choose to view it. For your own happiness and well being, you can choose to see EVERY situation in a positive light. Even death, loss, war, and hate can be viewed from multiple perspectives. Focus on the good in everything, and live happily...if you choose to.
Comment: ok so how many health problems do you have? Are you able to work? Have you lost everything you own? Have you lost your wife/husband?
All of you can kiss my --- if you think any one of you could have gone through any of that smiling. Just tell me one thing that was good about any of that and I'll say you are right....otherwise take your positive thinking bs and sell it to someone who believes it!!!
Comment: Positive/Negative, Good/Evil, Optimism/Pessimism, Yes/No, God/Satan, Smile/Frown, Generous/Selfish, Do Not Kill During War/Do Kill During War, Heaven/Hell, Donate Timeand Energy to the Undeserving and Downtrodden/Do Not Donate Time and Energy to the Undeserving and Downtrodden, Thank the Police for Kicking Ass/ Do Not Thank the Police for Kicking Ass, Support our Leader(s)/Do Not, , , Get It Yet America?
Comment: Dear Mnt_Man~ honestly, I read that you told your wife the truth. You shall see her, when she returns, when you return to her..when I lose my loved ones, I know full heartedly, that they are now safe from harm, pain, suffering, upsets, .. I count one more..with Jesus etc, all our ancestors and friends n pets, and I get to just count days, I am left, living to fullest purpose..makin it a ggood day, etc for someone else, and laffin i=f it was good for me..like Ihad with Gramie, etc.. and that IS oft better than those who didnt have, say, your love wife. See? Sure, we are wiser after losing her..honour the Lord thy God, by pulling in during your pain, closer, not jaded..anyone can be bitter, it aint a fee-good place, so it isn't of our quality..ok? Closer will feel right. Love you
Comment: Dear Mnt_Man~ honestly, I read that you told your wife the truth. You shall see her, when she returns, when you return to her..when I lose my loved ones, I know full heartedly, that they are now safe from harm, pain, suffering, upsets, .. I count one more..with Jesus etc, all our ancestors and friends n pets, and I get to just count days, I am left, living to fullest purpose..makin it a ggood day, etc for someone else, and laffin i=f it was good for me..like Ihad with Gramie, etc.. and that IS oft better than those who didnt have, say, your love wife. See? Sure, we are wiser after losing her..honour the Lord thy God, by pulling in during your pain, closer, not jaded..anyone can be bitter, it aint a fee-good place, so it isn't of our quality..ok? Closer will feel right. Love you
Comment: I disagree with MoutainMan. I believe that positive thinking can definately change your actions in your day to day life. yes there are a lot of circumstances that can happen that are out of our control. Death is the only constant in life, we will all die and death is sad but how you LIVE your life is your control for the most part. Believing in positive outcomes and positive situations creates more positive situations b/c it affects the way you act leading up to the final outcomes. I am sorry to hear about your wife. However, were you thinking LOVE and positive thoughts when you told her loved her that morning? You can say anything you want to say but the truth is in your actual thoughts which perpetuate the outcomes of many situations.
Comment: Though I enjoyed this article, I do believe there is a part of the article that should be included. I am a optimist, but have found it to be more difficult more so lately. I questioned why this would be happening and found that I as others I had talked to agreed on what has happened to out society. We are bombarded with perscription advertisement to tell us (on such vague syptoms also) that we as a nation are sick. So if there is not enough optimism, do you not think that quite possibly the medical profession should possibly do research on this subject? Or is this a get rich scheme from the pharmacy companies? It is to a point where I have muted all such comercials and have told all friends and family to do the same thing to improve their mental outlooks.
Shame on our society for allowing this to happen! Bring peace of mind back to yourselves and put your televisions on mute for your health. Demand someone to research this!
Comment: Though I enjoyed this article, I do believe there is a part of the article that should be included. I am a optimist, but have found it to be more difficult more so lately. I questioned why this would be happening and found that I as others I had talked to agreed on what has happened to out society. We are bombarded with perscription advertisement to tell us (on such vague syptoms also) that we as a nation are sick. So if there is not enough optimism, do you not think that quite possibly the medical profession should possibly do research on this subject? Or is this a get rich scheme from the pharmacy companies? It is to a point where I have muted all such comercials and have told all friends and family to do the same thing to improve their mental outlooks.
Shame on our society for allowing this to happen! Bring peace of mind back to yourselves and put your televisions on mute for your health. Demand someone to research this!
Comment: Fascinating. My theory which I call Inner-Yoga which is about spiritual or idealistic communication (about which I have recently written a book) is that all communication is in fact emotional at some level. Reflective abilities are there basically to help us feel better and function better. These reflective abilities yield moods of love which helps us empathize and feel, peace which helps us think and be aware, and joy which helps us to play along with life and to create or re-create our own experience of things. I get a great feeling just reading the book as it must be triggering a kind of "high" in me, I theorize that such "highs" are connected to species and individual survival. Thanks for the information, its breathtakingly beautiful to see human exploration taking such leaps.
Comment: Or maybe I was thinking the wrong positive thought. Maybe I should have said "When you are coming home you won't be involved in a multiple car accident that will take your life."
Comment: Lol is all I can think to say to you who think that saying things like "It's going to be a great day." will actually make a day great. Last I checked we effect some circumstances in our day to day life but get real.....do you really think that your thought of what you want the day to be will actually make everything peachy. Once again some people don't use what is on top of thier shoulders to understand certin practical thoughts.
I told my wife I loved her and would see her when she returned the day she drove off and never came back. Hmmmm guess thinking positively doesn't apply to all facets of our lives eh?????????
Comment: Mnt_Man_1966, My heart breaks with you in your loss and grief. I don't believe any amount of positive thinking can prevent certain things from happening. Life happens --both good and bad. Don't confuse positive thinking with telepathy. Just thinking or saying something will or will not happen does not make it so. Having a positive outlook doesn't prevent tragedy, but it helps one cope and deal with life in a way that minimizes its effects on one's mental, emotional, and physical health. I lost one of my best friends in Dec 2006. No amount of positive thinking could have prevented this tragedy. Ten months later I am still grieving. I know she is in a better place where she is happy, but that doesn't mean I don't miss seeing her and having her in my life. However, as much as I miss her, I have not allowed this loss to prevent me from enjoying and appreciating the other things I still have in my life. I know that at any moment one or all of these things could be taken away from me. My optimism is not based on some unsubstantiated, naive, feel-good, warm fuzzy belief that everything is going to be just fine. More than likely the reality is just the opposite. My optimism is anchored in the sovereign God who has revealed Himself in the Bible as the One who loves me and is in control of all the details of my life --both the "good" and the "bad". I have had hard times in my life, but He is always there to carry me through. Does that mean I don't use my brain or just let things happen? Of course not! It means that I don''t stress or worry about things that are out of my control. Is this easy? No, not always, but I find that when I leave the worrying and the details to God, I come out on top, no matter what. I hope and pray you will discover the freedom and joy of trusting Him.
Comment: This is such an appropriate article for what I've been going through recently and an epiphany that I had yesterday. I recently had a mole removed that I was worried was melanoma. The mole had been there for about a year, but for some reason, I didn't go to the doctor when I first noticed it. Therefore, I was absolutely terrified that it was not only melanoma but that I'd waited too long and it was too late. I was beating myself up for not being on top of things a year ago. I ended up in the ER for anxiety, and got myself a prescription for Zoloft (which I was on before, in 2001)
Last Wednesday the biopsy came back normal. Since then, I've had this nagging feeling that I don't want to take Zoloft. Finally yesterday I told my husband my thoughts, and explained to him what I'd realized: that a lot of anxiety and depression is a result of not living a conscious life, of not taking control of the things we can control (the mole, for example). I realized I didn't need the Zoloft to be ok, that I needed to take charge of my life, and my health, that I needed to feel both the ups and the downs of existence, because that is life. I needed that mole to show me that my terror was not about the mole itself, but my inaction from a year ago, much as this article suggests "Optimism motivates individuals to take control of their lives, while depression has been found to have the opposite effect."
Comment: Being optomistic is a HUGE part of living a healthy life. If everyday you wake up and look in the mirror and say, "This is going to be a great day!" then chances are, it will. You could wake up and not want to even get out of bed, and be in the worst mood, but if you just say those words, subconsciously, you will feel better through the day. People that have a negative outlook on life tend to be depressed , very emotional and holds their emotions inside. If you just express your feelings in a healthy way, you will start to notice a happy you! If you are suffering from being sad, try exercising! It releases endorphines which make you happy! :D
Comment: I was born in 1966 as my nic name implies. I have had a heart attack at the ripe old age of 28 and lived several years with faltering health. I have had 3 back surgeries since the ripe old age of 21 my last (which was 6 years ago) ending in the loss of the majority of use in my left leg. I have been married 2 times and lost my 2nd wife in a car accident in 2004. Due to the fact that my wife was the primary income of our household I lost our house. Her(what I thought was our) family turned thier backs on me leav ing me practially destitute. I've attempted scuicide, been institiutionalized, and take anti depressants.
Now I am in a healthy relationship with a beutiful woman and her wonderful children. And we looking forward to begining a new business in a new house in a new country soon. And guess what. I still have bad days. But life moves on. I'm not positive about it being all things made of fairytales. That isn't real life. Problems arise some we just get through, some we can't, some we learn from, some we don't. Some days are great, some are so-so, and some we would just like to stash away and forget.
Does positive thinking get me through every day? No. Does getting off my ass and making something happen? Not always. Is there a real answer for everything? Never!
Get on with life there aren't answers to everything and even when there are answers.... not every answer is one we want to hear, not every answer is an easy one. I say take it as it comes good or bad it's life. DEAL WITH IT!!!!
Comment: Scottacious made an amazing observation. I feel akin to the lady he has mentioned. I have suffered everything but the cancer, I suppose we can swap it out for Diabetes. I wrestle deeply within myself with depression which began about 7 years ago. But I seem to come in and out of feelings of hopelessness and optimism...and don't feel I know myself anymore, as I used to be consistenly optimistic....antidepressants and therapy help, being engaged with my church helps...but I wish I could trade my body in for a better model, as the depression has morphed into a state of it's own it seems. I want my health to improve, to move to the city of my dreams, to love again though my family is all gone, to prosper financially by my own hand...I reach out to accomplish but through it, I battle the great depression, it is a battle...we are warriors. MountnMermaid007
Comment: Once again. For those who misunderstand my post. I don't have any doubt that positive thinking has a place in our lives. But I honestly can't see where it will affect every aspect of our lives. Simply put: A person who sits on thier backside and has great positive think abilities is still a person that sits on thier backside.
I say get up move make things happen. positive thinking won't bring you everything. It may give some essance of happiness but there are many other things that need to be in the mix of life than just thinking happy thoughts.
Comment: Once upon a time in a land far, far away .... I used to think like you, and in truth had little compassion for those who struggled to "get up and get moving". I used to be a massage therapist for a chiropractor by trade, and was VERY strong, not quite a Russian Shot-put athelete but practiced yoga, tai chi, lifted wieghts, biked, ate well. Then tragedy hit. Like an unexpected tsunami! It can happen, some of us reach our limits...I never realized I had limits...I felt I was limitless, and spiritually I am but my body decided I am not. So I am saying sometimes to "just get up and move" is only a partial answer. Optimism is not simply happy thoughts...it's much deeper than that...it's believing there is hope...it's having hope that life can be beautiful again, and if not beautiful, then that some of our smallest dreams can be realized. I believe my depression, however hard I fight it, still affects my health. I want to attack my depression first as a priority, then my eating habits, then my exercise regimens. I don't know how old you are Mtn_Man but it is not true that life gets easier with age. Life is a challenge at any age.
Comment: I think that even though our world is at war, there is poverty, terroism, etc...... it is also an amazing time to live. You have to focus on the positive, and not the negative....... and there are plenty of both. One of the happiest ladies I know has chronic fatigue, is battling cancer, has no family left, has no movey, her home is falling apart, she lives in utter poverty, yet she is upbeat, positive, loving, and very, very happy. If circumstances is what will dictate your positive outlook and happiness, then I humbly submit you will never be happy.
Comment: Yes , you get omega-3 fatty acids in fishes mostly and i just had some, ahaha so am happy ...
fish is also my favourite food. also any food that makes us feel good like chocolates and cheese cakes. And about optimistic attitude....my mum always said that i should stay positive to get good at anything...i didnt realise it until recently that she is right ;) goodluck to all of us in keeping ourselves happy...
Comment: Positive thinking is a great concept, but really, in a world of war, poverty, politics, and every other downplay you can imagine, how is it imaginable that positive thinking is a way of life? Yes there are many days that we can say we have had memorable moments of happiness. Yes with most people good times out-weigh the bad ones. But to be perfectly honest, happiness and good fortune, are two things in life that aren't necessarily gained by positive thinking. In my opinion they are usually gaind by a pelethra of combinations of actions and emmotions combinations.
Am I happy? Do I try to think positively? My answer would be the same as most I suspect. Most of the time yes but not always.
But do I need someone to tell me hey think positive. No. Things get better or worse sometimes, not just because of what we are thinking. Having a loved one die, losing your job, or any other life changing tragic moment in life can not be made a good experience just because we think happy thought. Sometimes a happy thought isn't appropriate and sometimes they can be worse for a person. ie: You've just lost your life mate suddenly and a friend that has everything going for them comes to you and says:" It'll get better, just try and remember the happy times."
I'm just saying that there are times in one's life where no matter how much you or others believe you need to think positive......it's not an action that is a possibilty due to the gravity of the current situation.
Comment: Positive thinking is a great concept, but really, in a world of war, poverty, politics, and every other downplay you can imagine, how is it imaginable that positive thinking is a way of life? Yes there are many days that we can say we have had memorable moments of happiness. Yes with most people good times out-weigh the bad ones. But to be perfectly honest, happiness and good fortune, are two things in life that aren't necessarily gained by positive thinking. In my opinion they are usually gaind by a pelethra of combinations of actions and emmotions combinations.
Am I happy? Do I try to think positively? My answer would be the same as most I suspect. Most of the time yes but not always.
But do I need someone to tell me hey think positive. No. Things get better or worse sometimes, not just because of what we are thinking. Having a loved one die, losing your job, or any other life changing tragic moment in life can not be made a good experience just because we think happy thought. Sometimes a happy thought isn't appropriate and sometimes they can be worse for a person. ie: You've just lost your life mate suddenly and a friend that has everything going for them comes to you and says:" It'll get better, just try and remember the happy times."
I'm just saying that there are times in one's life where no matter how much you or others believe you need to think positive......it's not an action that is a possibilty due to the gravity of the current situation.
Comment: I was sure when I started to read this that the solution to a recent work initiative "bring an article to work day" that I could spin it in such as way that a positive outlook could help our team do business differntly and better. We are an audience readiness (training) technology team. It seems fairly obvious why that as consultants we better project positive images. What do you think some benefit sof a positivive and optimistic attitued is when trying to bring new technology into an organization are? Examples would be great! I usually get great ideas from others. Which means I represent the thinking of the masses not just myself. Also, why do all of the work yourself when you can harnes the energy of others. Not that is optimism. Gina
Comment: Being positive in todays world is an absolute must.I am very and have always been very positive and install it in my children too.One can handle worst stuff with an open positive mind rather than a pessimistic attitude.Life is full of surprises we have to deal with it so why not in a positive manner.
Comment: I super psychologist can fix your life up just brilliantly.
Comment: I like cognitive therapy for those of us who need help getting to the positive viewpoint of life. I like a classroom setting with a teacher/therapist. Worked for me. Not perfect but with hard work will change your life forever. The "Brief Therapy" that i went thru was cheap and fast. Therapist was out to help me, not get rich..
Comment: As an entrpreneur I am rooted in postiive thinking. I fell grateful for what I have each day. I focus on what I want. VIsualize----> Materialzie. As many have learned in The Secret- The world is made up of ENERGY. Keeping Positive Energy at the forefront of our minds and spirit can yield miricles. Reggae Music, at least the Foundation of Reggae Music often highlights some of these same principles.
Comment: I think that positive thinking can be learned thru cognitive therapy whereby you are taught in a classroom setting how to replace irrational thinking by rational thinking. It worked for me and although it isnt perfect, with hard work it is rewarding.
Comment: As an entrepreneur I ground each day in positive energy, thoughts, wishes and determination.It is often the only tangible asset I have to forget forward in a world of adversity, negativity and challenge.
As many have recently learned from The Secret, energy is the building block that is the key to connecting us to the universe. Visualize--->Materialize. Much of Conscious Reggae Music is rooted in this foundation. Check out www.RockersItsDangerous.com
Comment: Having been forced to become familiar with "The Secret," I can't figure it out. Apparently we just got tired of giving all of our money to the snake-oil salesman, then we got fed up with padding the pocketbooks of televangelists, so now we find ourselves rehabilitating the bank accounts of former used car salesmen. Have you seen these guys who are peddling that nonsense? Come on! It's just more denial of reality, and it's foolproof. If you don't "attract" what you are thinking about, you just need to do it a little longer. It's ilke faith healing; if you are not healed, you did not believe!
Comment: I've seen a lot of research on this, but I haven't found anything that we can do to change our own brains. Antidepressants have had the opposite effect on me (making me more depressed and suicidal). What is the answer? What are "natural" alternatives?
Comment: Try fish oil omega 3 fatty acid.Its good for you and takes away mild depression.Surround yourself with happy people.
Comment: The author shoud contact and discuss the power of positivity and determination with Jothy Rosenberg of Auburndale MA.
He was given 6 weeks to live after cancers that took his leg and lung 30 years ago. He is a very successful entranpaneur, start up co. president fund raiser and was recently featured ion the Today Show while riding in the PAN -MASS Challenge . Imagine being passed on a bycycle by a guy wuth one leg on a hundred mile bike ride.
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