What is the last thing you said to yourself about yourself? Was it positive or negative? Or maybe somewhere in between? Were these thoughts constructive or deconstructive? Moving forward, these are important questions to challenge yourself to ask daily. The conscious thoughts we create have a significant impact on our well-being, and over time, they shape us into who we are and what we do. 

Positive thinking doesn’t mean ignoring real problems and living in ignorant bliss; it means having the courage to approach any type of situation, even the negative ones, in an efficient and productive way. Let’s face it-  negative thoughts always seem to arise as instinct, as we cannot suppress what is human. However, reframing these negative thoughts from “why didn’t I…” into “next time I can…”, will create a world of difference in the home that is our mind.

According to the ¹Mayo Clinic, reframing negative thoughts and incorporating positive ones creates lower depression and distress levels among all age groups, a greater resistance to the common cold (crazy, right?!), and builds better coping skills during hardships and stressful times, among many other benefits. Shifting to conscious, positive thinking can be difficult; after all, you’re creating a new habit. With time, patience, and dedication, this shift is entirely possible even for the most pessimistic thinkers. The Mayo Clinic has also compiled a helpful list of ways to help you shift to more positive thinking. Start small: focus on one area of your life you tend to have negative thoughts towards, whether it be work, school, a relationship, or a personal problem. Until you feel that you’ve become proficient (not perfect) at thinking positively in this area of your life, keep focusing on it! Practice makes permanent, and permanent healthy habits create a healthy life. 

After you’ve decided to make the conscious effort to practice positive self-talk, check yourself periodically throughout the day. It sounds silly, but stopping and asking yourself, “What have my thoughts consisted of today?” and “Did these thoughts make me feel good or bad?” can help you stay on the right track to reaching your positive self-talk goals. Surrounding yourself with supportive and helpful people is also part of the commitment to positive thinking. Your thoughts are significantly affected by the comments and actions made by those close to you. A conscious effort to surround yourself with positive people will help you to create a beneficial way of thinking. 

Mayo Clinic’s last tip is to actively practice positive self-talk. Don’t think or say something to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. Your mind is your space- make it comfortable and a place where you can grow! Pick out a daily affirmation you like, and repeat it to yourself at some point in your day. It’s easiest to incorporate your affirmation into a bedtime or early morning routine. Talking to yourself is a great way to set goals for your day, or reflect upon how the day went. 

Shifting the way you think isn’t easy- it’s a process and it will take time. Learning new things is so important to our health, especially learning positive self-talk! We will always have negative thoughts, no matter how much we’ve trained our brains, and that’s ok. However, knowing that we have a way to reframe these thoughts in a positive way is a tool that anyone can use to better their wellbeing. The general goal of positive thinking is to slowly let go of self-criticism, and create more self-acceptance. We have the power within us to create the life, and the mind we choose. Your mind is your home: cherish it, protect it, grow it.

-Written by Cami M, Teen CHARGE Brand Rep

¹Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020, January 21). Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950