Harness the Power of Positivity

We give way to much power to negative thoughts which limit our abilities and relationships.

Minds cluttered with doubts, fears and negative thoughts have an impact on our health.  Negative attitudes and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can create chronic stress, which upsets the body’s hormone balance, depletes the brain chemicals required for happiness, and damages the immune system.

Stress from negative thinking creates changes in the brain that may affect our mental health and lead to disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, schizophrenia and mood disorders.

Negative thought impacts your work, your family and your friendships.

Here are 5 steps you can take today to become a more positive person:

1.  Start your day listing 5 things you are grateful for.  Better yet, keep a daily postivity journal. If inclined, double up on the positive by adding another 5 things you are grateful for before going to bed.
2. Replacement therapy works.  Every time a negative thought pops into your mind replace it with a positive thought or two or three.
3. Seek and you will find a positive side to every situation, even if you are surrounded with negativity.
4. Change your words. Instead of, “I’m nervous” try “I’m excited”.  Or “I’m going to fail” to “I’ve got this”.  Along with your words change your posture for 2 minutes to a power pose.  Think superman with your legs wide apart and hands on your hips.
5. Promoting positivity creates a culture centered around supporting, inspiring and recognizing one another.  Try it at work.  One kind act leads to another in which an exciting chain-reaction of positivity is set off.  After all, it’s much easier to succeed in a work environment that actively promotes positivity compared to one where stress and anxiety rules the day.

In fact, one study by the University of Warwick found that positivity among employees causes a 12% jump in productivity, while employees who are less-than-pleased with their working situations are 10 percent less productive.

Workplaces that embrace positivity are more productive, profitable and have higher satisfaction levels.  Here are some examples to create an empowering, supportive and happy environment conducive for success.

• Caring for your colleagues as friends.
• Forgiving mistakes instead of assigning blame.
• Supporting colleagues and showing compassion in times of stress and difficulty.
• Sharing random acts of kindness.
• Inspiring one another.
• Treating each other with respect and trust.

Relationships are strengthened, energy is heightened and buffers are built that help people bounce back from difficulties better. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and stressed, everyone feels empowered to overcome challenges.

Harness the power of positivity