Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Gratitude #MentalHealthMay

The selected theme for #MentalHealthMay is “Positive Thinking and Happiness.” To make positivity a constant in your life, I have identified four topics to feature every Wednesday in May.

This week's topic is “Positive Thinking.”



Positive thinking is a term used by almost everyone, but not everyone gets it right. So, what is Positive Thinking?


Positive thinking implies maintaining an optimistic outlook on life, focusing on solutions rather than problems, and cultivating a mindset that sees opportunities in challenges. To think positively, one must actively choose to dwell on thoughts that uplift and empower rather than those that bring down morale.


Positive thinking isn't about ignoring reality; rather, it's about accepting reality while choosing to approach it with a constructive mindset. It means reframing your challenges and setbacks in a way that encourages growth and learning.


Consider this example: Shweta, a high school student, faces severe anxiety before exams despite her study efforts. She experiences physical symptoms like sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Dismissing her anxiety with "just snap out of it" and "think positive" won't help. Seeking help from a psychologist to address underlying issues and teach coping strategies is crucial. Thinking positive involves efficiently dealing with the underlying issue and addressing it effectively.


To make realistic positivity a constant, I recommend “Gratitude Journaling.”





Each evening, take a few minutes to reflect on your day and identify three good things that happened. These could be small moments of joy, achievements, or acts of kindness you experienced or witnessed. Write down these three good things in a journal or notebook, being specific about what made them positive experiences and how they made you feel. Make it as detailed as possible.


Finally, soak in the positivity. Allow yourself to fully experience the positive emotions associated with your entries.


If you would like a recommendation for a basic gratitude journal #template, please comment or DM me.


Practicing gratitude consistently trains your brain to focus more on the positive aspects of your life, shifting your perspective from negative to positive. Over time, this can help rewire your thinking patterns and cultivate a more optimistic outlook.



#MentalHealthMay #PositiveThinking #SelfAwareness #Relationships #MindfulConversations #JananiSrikanth #MentalHealth

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