The Wider Benefits of Positive Thinking Stress Relief Increased Immunity Improved Wellness Better

The brain is not only one of the most complex organs in our bodies, it is probably one of the most complex creations in the whole universe. It is unlikely that we know 10% of the complexities and capabilities of this organ that we all have and that is in our continuous use, even when we sleep.

Yet one of the things we do know is how binary one of its more basic functions is. Our brains do perceive things as either positive (not a threat) or negative (a danger). If our lives are under threat we know that the primitive mind takes over to save us (usually called flight or fight reactions). In primitive man, these responses would have overridden our intellect if we were being attacked by a lion. In modern times, these can be triggered by a bad day at work.

So what happens when we worry, get anxious or stress out? Those same systems kick in and we have a limited number of built-in reactions – aggression, anxiety or depression.

We also know that our brain is neuroplastic and that, over time, it changes shape. Over time, the areas that deal with the responses of anger and anxiety increase in size and become our default mode.

What we focus on, therefore, will literally become our reality.

If all our problems are on the left and all our happy experiences on the right then, just by focusing on the right, we change the wiring of our brain to use this as our default mode, whatever the situation.

This is something that people who have had hypnotherapy know very well. They have had such an acute focus on solutions that they no longer tend to see problems whatsoever.

The science is so simple and, when hypnotherapy is no longer seen as a magic trick, we will be able to use it to change our minds magnificently.

it is important to note that positive thinking is not about taking a "Pollyanna" approach to life. Researchers have found that in some instances, optimism might not serve you well. For example, excessively optimistic people might overestimate their abilities and take on more than they can handle, ultimately leading to more stress and anxiety.

Instead of ignoring reality in favour of the silver lining, psychologists suggest that positive thinking centres on such things as a belief in your abilities, a positive approach to challenges, and trying to make the most of the bad situations.

Bad things will happen. Sometimes you will be disappointed or hurt by the actions of others. This does not mean that the world is out to get you or that all people will let you down. Instead, positive thinkers will look at the situation realistically, search for ways that they can improve the situation, and try to learn from their experiences.