29 Sep Developing a positive mindset

Thinking positively comes naturally to some, but for others, achieving a positive mindset requires some commitment. If you suffer with anxiety disorders, for example, negative thoughts can become constant and may begin to affect your daily life. However, if you struggle with anxiety or pessimistic thoughts, there are things you can do to help yourself develop a more positive frame of mind.

Developing a positive mindset has a number of benefits for both physical and mental health. In fact, a  study by Kings College London on the Power of Positive Thinking found that it can actually help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorders.

What is a positive mindset?

Some people seem to find having a positive outlook easier than others. Psychologist Remez Sasson, defines a positive mindset as ‘a mental and emotional attitude that focuses on optimistic and positive thoughts, and expects positive results.’

Achieving a positive mindset does not mean ignoring or avoiding all things negative. Psychologist Kendra Cherry explains that a positive mindset, ‘involves making the most of the potentially bad situations, trying to see the best in other people, and viewing yourself and your abilities in a positive light.’

Of course, this is easier said than done, but there are steps that you can take to help improve your frame of mind.

The benefits of a positive mindset

Actively focusing on developing a more positive mindset can help with mental health benefits such as reducing the symptoms of depression and improving our ability to cope with stress and anxiety.

Your mindset can have a significant effect on your physical health too, and working on actively improving your positivity can deliver all sorts of unexpected benefits including:

• Improving your lifespan
• Reducing the risk of catching the common cold
• Better heart health
• Reducing your levels of cholesterol
• Faster recovery from illnesses and injuries

The link between a positive mindset and anxiety

If you’re not someone for whom positive thinking comes naturally, it’s good to know that you can learn how to achieve a positive mindset by teaching yourself how to identify negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.

Stress and anxiety affect almost 75% of the UK. Money worries, health concerns and work issues are some of the most common stress factors. While it’s impossible to avoid these triggers altogether, we can change how we react to the mishaps and inconveniences which are part of everyday life.

How to achieve a positive mindset

Start your day with positive affirmations
You may feel a bit silly at first, but many swear by beginning the day by repeating some mantras or phrases which challenge their negative thought processes. You might try telling yourself, “I believe in me,” or, “Today is going to be a good day”. Here are some more excellent examples.

Download the Feeling Good app
As with everything these days, there is even an app which helps you to overcome anxiety! The NHS Feeling Good app uses relaxation, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and resilience-building techniques to help you achieve a more positive mindset. Why not give it a try?

Try to turn a positive into a negative
Think about how you can rework negative self-talk into something more constructive. It’s all about seeing the opportunity in a negative, the lesson learned from a mistake. For example, replace anxious thoughts such as, “I’m so bad at this”, with, “I’m working towards mastering this!”

Remember the small things
No matter how badly your day is going, there is always something to look forward to. When you’re feeling anxious or pessimistic, try taking yourself outside for a short walk in nature and really observing the beauty of the living world or visualise the delicious meal you’re going to cook for dinner.

Try a herbal remedy for anxiety
St John’s Wort is a powerful herbal remedy designed to relieve the symptoms of mild anxiety. HRI Good Mood™  St Johns Wort is suitable for vegans and vegetarians and contains the strongest daily dose of St John’s Wort available in the UK. Anxiety sufferers have found that just one or two tablets of HRI Good Mood™ a day can significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety and boost their mood.

If anxiety is weighing you down, working towards a more positive mindset could be key to boosting your mood and coping with worry. If you’re not naturally a positive thinker, readjusting the way you think is going to take some work. But what better time to start than now?

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