Positive Thinking and Attitude Activities
Proverbs 23:7 says that "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he." That little phrase is the backbone of the self-improvement industry, particularly the belief that practicing positive thinking will result in a positive attitude. The idea behind positive thinking is that a person's thoughts control his attitude, which in turn controls behavior. If a person can change his thinking to positive, encouraging thoughts instead of destructive or depressive ones, he can experience a happier and healthier life.
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Practice Positive Affirmation
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Many positive thinking activities center around training yourself to think only positive thoughts and to push out or let go of negative thoughts whenever they enter your mind. Positive affirmation exercises are short phrases that a person repeats silently to himself throughout the day to keep his attitude positive. Examples are "I am worthy of happiness" and "I deserve to be happy." Reminding oneself of these ideas can make the person feel better, stronger and more self-confident.
Direct Your Thoughts
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Similar to the first technique, thought direction is used by psychotherapists to help patients learn to take control of their bad thoughts and focus instead on good ones. While positive affirmation can be done at any time, thought direction is performed when a person catches himself thinking destructive thoughts or feelings. Create a positive image in your mind and will yourself to meditate on it. Think of something that makes you happy and then begin to say positive encouragements to yourself like "I am a beautiful, valuable person with something good to offer others" until your feelings change.
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Practice Gratitude
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Developing an attitude of thankfulness can help a person view any circumstance in a positive way. Start by thanking everyone often. Thank the people who waits on you at the grocery store or restaurant. Thank your mailman and the people who provide service to you over the phone. Thank your coworkers and family members any time they give or do anything for you. When you begin to feel depressed, hopeless, frustrated or angry, remind yourself that your circumstances could be worse. Try to think of someone you know or have heard of who is in a worse predicament than you and think about that individual until you gain perspective on your situation. Force yourself to find something to be thankful for. Write a list of things to be thankful for in a journal, starting with things you enjoy. Continue writing, listening and thinking about things you're thankful for daily and until your attitude changes to a more positive outlook on life.
Laugh Much
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Laughing has been shown to have health benefits and it's difficult to remain angry or sad when you are laughing. Laughter has been shown to relieve stress, ease pain and strengthen the immune system. Find something to laugh about every day. Start by reading and watching things that make you laugh. Then, try to laugh at your circumstances until you can find something humorous in a variety of situations.
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References
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