Ask most people and of course they would agree that positive thinking is going to make life better. Asking people how often they spend time in a positive mood can be an interesting self-reflective exercise. It all seems quite obvious really, but it does seem that in many cases negative thinking and rumination prevails. An increasingly popular method of dealing with this way of living is the Buddhist approach of mindfulness. Maintaining awareness of the present moment without judgement is the essence of this practice underpinned by regular meditation. The argument is that we spend far too much time pondering on the past (it's too late, nothing can be done about that) or the future (that has not happened yet) and not enough in appreciating the now. The mind is blamed for taking us off into past events or into scenarios that have not even occurred (e.g. the argument that you are going to have with the boss). How about reducing this mind activity?
Research shows us that positive moods increase our visual attention aiding the collection of information about the world around us, improves creativity, social skills, ability to deal with criticism, our verbal reasoning and problem-solving ability. Practicing postive thinking regualarly seems to build our resilience and ability to gain benefit. There is likely to be a genetic disposition (accounting for around 50% of the variability) but we also have the ability to change through learning and adaptation.
It is likely that personality type will affect the way in which you create your positive mood. Therefore trying different methods is best. Some ideas to change your mood for the better include challenging your negative thoughts (cognitive restructuring), meditation and developing relationships with family and friends.
Those suffering pain often present with a negative mindset that is understandable. Working to restructure the beliefs and thoughts and subsequently how the pain is interpreted is an excellent way of improving control. At Specialist Pain Physio we work closely with patients to lessen the impact of pain and suffering with techniques that increase positivity for the aforementioned reasons. Additionally it has a good effect upon the immune system that is very much involved in pain. It takes time and effort as part of the treatment and rehabilitation programme for pain, chronic pain & injury.
Reading
Be Happy, Dan Jones. New Scientist 25th Sept 2010
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