Most of us know if we’re a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty type of person. Some that know their cup is half empty may think there is really nothing wrong with that. Sometimes bad stuff just happens, part of life, right? While it is true life is far from perfect, but it sure pays to be prepared. 
Maybe you just feel like being positive and upbeat is not as important as powerful behaviors like persistence and work ethic.
Actually, it turns out that those of us who have a more positive outlook enjoy some pretty big payoffs. According to research, the benefits of positive thinking, for example, include a healthier heart and longer life!
Having a positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring what’s not working. In reality it means that regardless of whether things are going right or wrong, the way you approach them is what counts. Is it in a more positive, productive way? Do you look for the good—the silver lining—in every situation?
Research has found that the benefits of positive thinking may include:
- Lower stress levels
- Improved coping skills
- Higher energy levels
- Increased resilience to overcome adversity
- Increased ability to see more possibilities and options
- Increased curiosity and creativity
- Decreased depression
- Increased resistance to illness like the common cold
- Improved well-being
- Reduced pain
- Decreased risk for cardiovascular disease (by up to 30%) and early death from heart attacks and strokes (by up to 39%!)
- Decreased risk of dying from infection (by up to 52%) and respiratory diseases
- Increased life span, and more importantly, health span
- Faster recovery from injury
- Reduced risk of death from all causes
- Better quality of life
Changing the way you think takes some effort, It can be difficult. But hopefully, you realize why it’s worth it. It may be easier than you think. Here are 12 steps you can take to shift your outlook from glass half empty to glass half full so you can begin to receive all those great benefits of positive thinking:
- Start Your Day Off Right
- Focus on One Area at a Time
- Laugh!
- Exercise
- Meditate
- Check in on Your Friends
- Be Grateful
- Smile More
Individuals with a more negative view of life tend to have higher levels of stress hormones, which can lead to higher blood pressure and heart rate. They’re also more likely to trying to cope by self-medicating with junk/comfort food, alcohol, other potentially harmful substances, and unhealthy habits.
Its time for a change.
