Bad things happen to everyone. It’s a fact of life. However, how you deal with these bad things can make all the difference in the world.

If you allow yourself to wallow in self-pity and negativity, then you’re doing yourself a huge disservice. But if you can shift your mindset and think positive even when things are going wrong, then you’ll be able to get through anything!

In this blog post, we’ll talk about changing your way of thinking so that you can stay positive no matter what life throws your way.

Why is positive thinking so important?

It can help you live longer with a better quality of life

In general, people who have a positive mindset tend to have reduced risk of depression and anxiety, and higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction (not to mention a healthy lifestyle).

It’s been shown that people who are prone to negative thoughts have increased rates of diseases like cancer or heart disease because their bodies become stressed out from constant worry about what could go wrong instead if being able live fully with no worries at all!

One study even found that people who think positively actually live an average of seven and a half years longer than those who don’t!

This is because when you look at the bright side of things, you tend to take care of yourself physically, often opting for a healthier diet and doing regular exercises. You also get better coping skills for the stresses or traumas of life because of stronger social networks.

It boosts your immune system.

One theory is that a more positive mindset help to counter the physical damage caused by stress. Thinking positively enables your body to manage hormones like cortisol, which can have negative effects on your health over time.

When you have a positive psychology, your body actually responds in a positive way. These physical benefits are not just the result of a “placebo effect.” In other words, it’s not just in your head!

Positive thinking actually changes the structure and function of your brain, which then has an impact on your body. For example, one study found that people who had a positive outlook on life had brains that were more “flexible” and adaptable, meaning they were better able to deal with stress and change. This is because there’s an increase in the production of “protective” cells and chemicals in the body.

It makes you more attractive to others.

Yes, you read that right! An optimistic attitude can make you more attractive to others. When you’re a positive thinker, people are naturally drawn to you.

Positivity is contagious!

When you exude positive vibes, it will rub off on those around you and soon enough everyone will be in a good mood.

So not only will being positive make YOU feel better, but it will also make those around you feel better as well!

They can see that you are happy and content with your life, even when things aren’t going perfectly. This attracts others because they like spending time around people who make them feel good.

It can improve your relationships

When you’re positive, you’re more likely to be understanding and forgiving towards others. You’re also more likely to see the good in people, rather than the bad.

If you don’t dwell on negative thoughts about the people in your life, you’re less likely to get wrapped up in drama or conflict. This creates a more positive environment in your relationships and allows them to flourish.

As a result, your relationships will be more positive and enjoyable because you’re able to focus on the good in your relationships.

It’s good for your mental health.

Shift your mind to a more positive outlook to help you manage stress, cope with difficult situations, overcome anxiety and depression, and boost your self-esteem.

People who think positively are more likely to be successful in their endeavors, and they tend to be happier overall.

You’re more likely to achieve your goals

Positive thinking doesn’t just make you feel good, it also increases your productivity. If you have confidence in your ability to achieve your goals, you’re more likely to put in the effort needed to make them happen.

You’ll also build resilience. When you believe in yourself and think of good outcomes, you’re more likely to persevere through tough times and come out stronger on the other side.

How can you turn negative thinking into a positive outlook?

Here are a few tips:

1. Understand that your thoughts create your reality

Start each day with a positive thought. As soon as you wake up, think of something good that will happen today. This could be something as simple as getting to spend time with your family or friends, or it could be something bigger, like landing that dream job.

2. Practice positive self talk and self love

It’s important to take care of yourself if you want to maintain a positive outlook on life.

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly. These things will help you physically and mentally, and they’ll also give you a boost of energy that will help you stay positive.

Stop negative self talk and make a list of your positive qualities instead. Write down everything you like about yourself, no matter how small it may seem. Read this list whenever you’re feeling down about yourself.

As a Christian, I reassure myself that the Lord loves me as I am, because He created me as He wanted. Talking down to myself would mean that I’m not honoring His glorious work in me.

3. Set goals and work towards them

It’s important to have something to focus on and work towards. When you have goals, it gives you a sense of purpose and something to look forward to.

Think about what you would like to achieve in the short-term and long-term. Write down your goals and put them somewhere you can see them every day.

As you achieve your goals, celebrate each accomplishment! This will help keep you motivated and inspired to continue working towards your other goals.

4. Find something to be grateful for daily

Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for shifting your mindset. When you focus on what you’re grateful for, it’s easy to feel positive emotions.

When you start feeling negative, take a step back and think about all of the positive moments in your life. This could be anything from the fact that you have a roof over your head to the fact that you are healthy.

Make it a daily habit to practice thankfulness. Keep a gratitude journal or simply take a few moments each day to think about the things you’re grateful for.

5. Surround yourself with positive people as role models

If you want to learn how to think positively, find role models who already think that way. Observe how they deal with difficult situations and try to emulate their behavior.

Seek out like-minded individuals,both online and offline, who can help you on your journey to a more positive outlook on life. These are the people who will support or inspire you and help you stay motivated in stressful situations.

6. Be mindful of any negative outlook and negative emotions

Negative thinking is a normal part of everyday life.

However, if you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts, it’s important to take a step back and acknowledge that you’re having them, but don’t dwell on them or allow them to control your thinking.

Recognise these signs of negativity:

Magnifying. You make a big deal out of petty problems. 

Perfectionism. Keeping impossible standards and blaming yourself when you can’t keep up.

Predicting disaster. This means you have one setback and then expect the worst to happen. For example, your car won’t start in the morning, so you think the rest of your day is destined to be doomed. 

Black-and-white thinking. Do you see things as either good or bad, with no middle ground? In this mindset, if things aren’t perfect, they’re automatically bad. 

7. Challenge your negative thought patterns

Once you’ve acknowledged your negative thoughts, it’s time to challenge them. Are they really true? What evidence do you have to support them? Oftentimes, we believe our negative thoughts without question, but when we take the time to really examine them, we realize that they’re not accurate.

8. Acknowledge the small things that make you happy

After you’ve challenged your negative thoughts and realized that they aren’t true, it’s time to focus on the positive. What are some good things that have happened to you? What are some things that you’re grateful for? Focusing on the positive will help you feel good and keep your mind off of the negative.

9. How to stay positive: Meditate or pray regularly

I find my strength and peace in my Lord’s promises. But you don’t have to be religious to benefit from meditation or prayer. There are many secular ways to meditate as well. There are many books, websites, and apps that can provide guidance on how to meditate or pray. You can also find plenty of classes and groups that can help you get started.

Just remember to be patient with yourself; it takes time to develop a regular practice. Just find what works best for you and make it a part of your daily routine.

Final Thoughts

Positive thinking isn’t like magic and it won’t make all of your problems vanish. What it will do is make problems seem more manageable and help you approach difficulties in a more positive and productive way.

Bad things happen to everyone, but it’s how you deal with them that makes all the difference. It’s not always easy to stay positive when bad things happen, but it’s definitely worth it to try.

By making a conscious effort to think positive thoughts, you can improve your physical and mental health, and your overall happiness.

Do you have any other tips for how to stay positive when bad things happen? Share them in the comments below!