Negativity. It’s all around us, on our social media feeds, on the news, even in our thoughts. Sometimes it seems like there is no way of avoiding it. Negativity can swallow us up, bring us down and ruin our days, weeks, or even months. And once you start feeling negative, it can be very difficult to push those thoughts out and focus on something else.

On the other hand, positivity is often a scarce commodity. In the effort toward living an altruistic lifestyle, positivity helps us stay focused on what is most important—moving forward—rather than being bogged down in negative circumstances. 

Living a positive lifestyle has more benefits than just “feeling better.” Focusing on positive thoughts can actually impact your overall health. How, you ask? Today we dive in and see how positive thoughts can make you healthier.

1. Positive thinking decreases stress.

With positivity comes the release of happy hormones such as serotonin and endorphins. These hormones help to decrease our stress levels, making us feel more relaxed and energized. And, with decreased stress levels comes overall better health, including a better cardiovascular condition. When you refocus your mind on thinking more positively, you help to decrease your overall stress and improve health.

2. Positive thinking helps you live longer.

When your stress levels are decreased and your health is improved, you are more likely to live a longer life. One study in Denmark found that hospital patients who had a more positive outlook were 58% more likely to live at least another five years. Other studies have demonstrated that positive thoughts lead to a lower rate of death from illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension or diabetes. This sounds like a whole lot of benefits for one simple mindset change. So, if you’re hoping to avoid illness and live a long, happy life, start with a positive first step.

3. Positive thinking strengthens your immune system.

One of the reasons you live longer with positive thinking is because it strengthens your immune system. Thinking negatively has been known to cause greater electrical activity in areas of your brain, weakening your immune response and making you more susceptible to conditions such as the common cold or influenza. However, when you focus on positive thinking, this tends to have the opposite effect, and strengthen your immune system to fight off smaller—and sometimes larger—ailments.

4. Positive thinking gives you coping skills.

Finally, positive thinking gives you coping skills when your physical and mental health encounter difficulties in the future. For example, when something goes wrong, such as losing a job, having a strong positive thinking process makes you more likely to respond optimistically, helping you to overcome the challenge faster and bounce back quickly. The more you practice positivity, the more likely it is to have a lasting impact on your life.

If you want to feel better and live a healthier, more altruistic lifestyle, try implementing more positive thoughts into your self-talk. Next time you’re feeling down, turn that around and focus on positive aspects, and increase your overall well being.