…You Feel and Act Younger?

There are many advantages of positive thinking, including a decrease in depression, increased immunity, and a reduced risk of heart failure. But did you know that practicing and utilizing a good attitude will help you live longer, too? The following evidence discusses the benefits about motivation and aging, and what you should do to get to a healthy state of mind.

Add Years to Your Life Span

Studies demonstrate how age and life as a whole impact life span. A recent study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that, “People worldwide are living longer. Most people can expect to live into their sixties and beyond. By 2050, the world’s population, aged 60 years and older is expected to total 2 billion, up from 900 million in 2015.”

Let us look at some of the best practices:

Accepting the Aging Process

Detailed research on the issue has shown that those with an optimistic perspective on aging when younger, rather than anticipating growing old, are more likely to live longer. By mentally changing your attitude on aging when you are still young will create an optimistic attitude. Which in turn will have a powerful impact on your life expectancy.

Uplifts Your Resilience

Collective results indicate that optimistic thoughts about aging will increase a person’s will to live, make them more resilient to disease and overall good wellness. By keeping a level, content attitude as you age, studies concluded that these “individuals feel less stress and are less likely to develop chronic illnesses or disorders (WHO).”

Share Your Wisdom

Our culture continues to appreciate vitality and beauty. We appreciate the strongest and smartest individuals. Often, our “heroes” are older adults. When one is content in life, it radiates to others as being secure within themselves. We are drawn to that behavior. The more we know, the more we share, which in turn, keeps us feeling younger.

Take Hold of Positive Thinking

Like meditation, yoga, or other self-care practices, remaining motivated takes time. Luckily, the materials you need are available anytime and can be completed at your own rate. Here are a few ways to implement those positive vibes:

Keep a Journal of Gratitude

This can be a simple as jotting thoughts onto a Post-It note or as elaborate as an online blog. A personal journal of thanks can be a strong way to relate to your feelings and alleviate tension. These are only for your feelings. There is no right or wrong answer. Maintaining a daily routine will help you create a new way of thinking so that you can quickly recognize and avoid negative feelings as they emerge.

Repeat Positive Affirmations

When you say a phrase or wording to yourself over the course of time, you are more inclined to believe it. In fact, a study conducted in 1977 conclusively reported that, “When truth is assessed, people rely on whether the information is in line with their understanding or if it feels familiar.

This is defined as the illusory truth effect.” This effect is often paired up with hindsight bias. This the recollection of confidence as skewed and the truth has been learned. Either way, it affects us both physically and mentally. By telling yourself daily that you are enough and well, your body and mind will thank you in the long run.

Spending Quality Time with Other Positive Thinkers

As the old idiom goes, “Birds of a feather, flock together.” When we expose ourselves to negative environments or individuals, our life outlook will often adapt to the situation to cope and survive. Take a mental note of your feelings when you are with your peers and family. If you find that your mindset becomes stressed when thinking about them, this may be a good time to set limits for those that put down your positive energies.

A Final Word

Always remember that being positive is an option and not a demand.  There will be days that are overwhelming, but with practice of grateful thoughts, you can create a comfort zone that lets you change negative emotions. Soon you will notice the benefits to your physical, behavioral, and emotional health. Imagine what you could conquer today.