Do you think of yourself as a “glass half-empty or half-full” sort of person? Have you ever had someone tell you to “look on the bright side” or to “turn that frown upside-down” or who tried to tell you all about positive thinking and the mind-body connection? Perhaps a friend has shared the classic “things turn out the best for people who make the best of the way things turn out” saying with you a time or two. Maybe you’ve done so yourself a time or two as well. Chances are good that if you or someone you know makes these comments, you’re positive thinkers. 

And get this. 

As the top holistic chiropractor in Eagle, we’re here to let you know that researchers are finding more and more evidence pointing to the many benefits of optimism and positive thinking.

Bottom Line:

It’s been said many times over many years by many people that mindset is the #1 predictor of success and for good reason. The conversations that you have with yourself often play a major role in determining your personal growth. The relationship between positive thinking and the mind-body connection is very real. Here’s an example you might be familiar with…

Thinking that you can’t do something can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. When we take on this type of mindset, it tends to get in the way and keep us from acting and making the decisions we need to make to do whatever it is we need to do.

The good news? There’s good news.   

We can update our habits, beliefs, and the way we think, and that can have positive effects on both our mental outlook and physical wellbeing.

Why it Matters:

When it comes to positive thinking and the mind-body connection, choosing to practice positive thinking can be a key part of effective stress management, and effective stress management can mean a world of good for your body.

Some of those benefits can include: 

• Fewer chronic aches, pains, and less daily discomfort.
  
• A lower likelihood of developing certain health conditions.
  
• Better mental coping skills and physiological responses when it comes to stress.

As we all know, when you feel better, you also tend to make better decisions for your health. You may very well be more active each day and make better food choices as a result. Practicing positive thinking can allow you to look at the world with a new perspective, and that can empower you to become the person you know you can be. 

That’s positive thinking and the mind-body connection in action!

A Closer Look at Positive Thinking and the Mind-Body Connection
Here are some additional interesting points you may not know about this phenomenon…

• In one recent study, researchers found evidence to suggest that negative emotions may play a role in the development of a weakened immune response.
  
• In another study, researchers attributed a positive outlook to a 30% decrease in the likelihood of one day experiencing a cardiovascular event.

Positive thinking matters. 

As the top holistic chiropractor in Eagle, we’ve seen the changes that positive thinking can make in our patient’s overall wellbeing first hand. 

So, what steps can you take to improve your outlook?

Next Steps: 

This week, try and pay attention to the thought loops running through your head. When you notice a negative thought, take a moment to try to be more conscientious about what you tell yourself. Use some of those phrases the positive thinkers in your life have often shared with you. This simple and small change can go a long way to help you cultivate a more positive mindset in the year ahead. Remember, the research tells us that cultivating a positive mindset isn’t just a lackadaisical, “granola” way to approach life. Studies examining positive thinking and the mind-body connection have shown us that our mental health impacts much of our physical health, and a positive mindset can lead to improvements in our overall health and well-being.

Speaking of that mind-body connection, if you’ve been living around some chronic aches and pains and you just can’t get them “off your mind”, call the top holistic chiropractor in Eagle! Our doors are open, our team has been there, and we’re here to help!

Science Sources:
Positive Thinking: Stop Negative Self-talk to Reduce Stress. Mayo Clinic. 2022.
The Power of Positive Thinking. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2022.