Life is about choices, and while we cannot control everything that happens in our lives, we ultimately determine how we choose to respond to the circumstances we find ourselves in.
According to Barbara Fredrickson, a social psychologist researching emotions and positive psychology, positive and negative thoughts affect the function of our brains. When we fail to find the silver linings in life, not only do we limit how we see opportunities, we tend to go down a path of self-doubt, lower self-esteem, and depressive moods.
When we embrace a positive outlook, we are open to more opportunities, find problem-solving easier, have higher self-esteem and are more joyful. These are all great reasons for adopting a more positive outlook. However, these aren’t even the most powerful reason to do so.
How can a postive mindset impact chronic illness?
The most potent reason to consider shifting your mindset is this: positive perspectives help us manage our stress better. Studies have shown that people with positive outlooks have better stress management techniques, and when combined with chronic illnesses such as autoimmune diseases, stress management is essential to flare management.
Why? Stress is a common trigger for inducing or lengthening autoimmune flares. As an empowered autoimmune illness patient, it is vital to be engaged in disease management. For me, this includes doing everything I can to avoid flares, including managing my stress by slowing down, changing my expectations, and shifting my mindset to one that is more positive.
Of course, everyday life isn’t all sunshine, roses, rainbows, and unicorns. However, this doesn’t mean you have to hope that something extraordinary happens after being thrown a curveball to allow you to embrace the positive.
What positivity mindsets can I add to my daily routine?
My three easy-to-implement practices can help you stop digging down into negativity and start finding your silver linings with the clouds. I know they work because I used to get sucked down into the negative, making my health conditions worse and my outlook.
Believe it or not, finding gratitude in any situation can be life-changing. I know; you are probably thinking I’m just another coach spouting on about appreciation. Here’s the thing: when I can appreciate things, I notice that my mindset shifts to a more positive one. Even in the worst of flares, I can find something to be grateful for, such as supportive friends, a cup of tea, or a pet to snuggle with. It doesn’t matter how big the issue is; there is always something to find to appreciate.
Another powerful practice that anyone can add to their toolkit is to practice self-care. Whether I take five minutes to meditate or listen to a favourite song or two, write in my journal for a few minutes, or walk with a good friend, all of these things help to reduce my stress levels and keep my spirit buoyed. Self-care doesn’t have to cost money, nor does it have to take a lot of your time. Find what works for you, given your circumstances. For example, I don’t walk with friends when flaring, but I can still write in my journal or listen to music.
The third practice I’ve added to manage my stress and improve my mindset is to be a student for life. I am a student in the school of life, and every day there are lessons to be learned. When I seek to understand how things ended up as they did, I can find something that I may have inadvertently done, which has added stress to my life. I love being with my friends and supporting them in all their endeavours. The problem is, sometimes I don’t have the energy to keep up, or they are planning a day out in the sunshine. I used to push myself to do these things with them and then would end up in a flare, not always connecting my actions to health issues. These days, when I have a flare, feel stressed, or have something turn out other than how I expected, I sit back and look for what I’m supposed to learn so I get a different result next time.
These practices take time to add to your life, and I don’t recommend adding them all at once. Instead, pick one and commit to trying it for a week. Record your outlook at the beginning and the end of the week. And then commit to trying it for another 23 days before looking to add another practice to improve your outlook. Of course, it won’t be perfect at first because you are doing something new; however, don’t let that stop you. After all, you deserve all the health and wellness you can create.
Connect to Support Today
Looking for additional support? Let’s connect today and discover our coaching sessions. From large groups to 1:1 coaching, we have something for everyone. Let’s get you headed onto a more empowered and positive path!