You have probably heard countless times how positive thinking (and lack of it) affects our lives. It seems like another set of positive affirmations, right? However, the truth is the opposite – positive thinking is more than daily mantras and rose-colored glasses. Diving deeper into how our mind operates is necessary to understand the science of positive thinking. Some of the most commonly asked questions are what drives positive thinking towards positive manifestation and how it affects our health. This comprehensive article explains the mechanism behind a positive mindset and how to utilize it for your benefit.
At Bright Future Treatment Center, we believe the power of the positive mindset is in all of us, waiting to be unlocked. Therefore, we help our patients adopt positive thinking through therapies, practical tasks, and group settings. To learn more about our work, feel free to give us a call at your earliest convenience. Our luxury rehab Palm Beach center is open to anyone making their steps towards an addiction-free life.
Can positive thinking affect your life?
Almost every person nowadays got the advice to think positively at least over a hundred times, including you. However, you must be careful when it comes to interpretation. What science means by positive thinking is far from what you might think. While there’s nothing wrong with affirmative mantras, they represent only the tip of the iceberg of what positive thinking is all about.
When cultivated consistently, positive thinking can change lives for the better. A positively oriented mindset becomes a powerful tool for achieving goals, handling challenging periods, and making the most of positive personal traits. So, is it possible that positive thinking is that impactful? The answer is.
Optimism is an actual science
Cheerful nature doesn’t necessarily mean an optimistic mindset. A person that doesn’t display joy so often can be relatively happy. What’s important here is the way optimism is cultivated. According to recent discoveries, optimism is a matter of multiple factors, some of which are:
- Habits
- Decisions
- Hormones
- Lifestyle
- Health
How you take care of yourself can push you toward or from a positive life perspective. Even the most pessimistic people can end up on the brighter side of the spectrum at some point in their lives. However, they must be the ones to take a step toward transformation. That being said, just because you might be born with a gloomier personality, rest assured you have positive aspects of yourself you can benefit from. By building a positive mindset, you’re improving your health and life quality. It’s safe to say that optimism is intertwined with our health, mental hygiene, how we go about our days, etc.
What do the experts say about the science of positive thinking?
Some people are naturally more optimistic than others. Also, some lean toward the pessimistic side more. It would be redundant to categorize people into strictly optimistic and pessimistic. The truth is, we all fluctuate between these two ends of a spectrum. However, the power of positive thinking in any individual is influenced by many factors:
- Home environment
- Dominant parent
- Trauma, tragedy, loss
- Experiences
- Mental health
- Level of self-care
- Hormones, etc.
The combined factors result in a more or less positive mindset. This, however, doesn’t mean it’s impossible for people experiencing years of life struggles can’t find inner peace and look on a brighter side of a situation. Scientists agree that positive thinking is a matter of mental discipline, and discipline is what one achieves through exercise. It takes an intention to have a clearer mind and, thus, a better life. The same applies to those who are usually more optimistic. While achieving a positive mindset might be easier for them, it’s necessary to maintain it.
A positive mindset is a matter of mental training
As mentioned before, we transform our mindset into a positive through practice. That, however, doesn’t mean you are obligated to keep yourself happy constantly. Instead, you’re supposed to adopt perspectives that can help you escape an unpleasant mental state or achieve objectives.
Various studies show one standard train of patients entering the Adderall addiction rehab process – low self-esteem stemming from a negative mindset. Because they didn’t believe they could study adequately and complete the tests with the highest grades, college students resorted to prescription stimulants. Of course, the college population is just one of the many groups affected by this problem. This is why gradually introducing practices that build a positive mindset and change a patient’s perspective is crucial during addiction treatment.
Coping with anxiety ad stress becomes manageable
Positive thinking won’t cure anxiety alone. However, it will help a person struggling with severe anxiety. It also prevents a person from opioids or excessive drinking to curb the overwhelming symptoms. Hence why, alcohol rehab Florida centers give more emphasis on a mindset of a patient. The purpose here is to help patients learn how to deal with stress more healthily.
Proactive, positive thinking helps you overcome hardships.
Indeed, it’s unrealistic to expect yourself to be happy when previous months have been nothing more than a series of sudden circumstances out of your control. This is yet another misconception about positive thinking. The point is not to manipulate yourself into looking at the brighter side of life. It’s in a decision to power through the circumstances. Let’s say you’re a college student aiming for better grades. No matter how hard you study, the results you wish for aren’t what they’re supposed to be. That leaves you feeling lesser of yourself. This feeling is the turning point that determines which direction your mind will take: positive or negative.
So, what would a positive mindset look like in this case? First, you would take a deep breath, relax, and remind yourself it’s not over yet. You are aware you can achieve your college goals. First, however, you have to seek a better solution. Then, you would take a walk, go to the gym, or do something else to take your mind off a previous exhausting week of finals. After that, you would get paper and pen (or notepad) and write all possible mistakes in your study approach. For example, maybe you don’t ask enough questions during lectures. Or, maybe all those all-nighters have exhausted you to the point you’ve started confusing different definitions, formulas, etc.
In this case, the list of wrong steps shows you what you should do. For example, maybe a robust schedule or study groups would better impact your grades and study habits. The bottom line is by trying to solve the problem; your focus remains far from negativity. As a result, your confidence grows, leading to a more positive outlook on problem-solving. That being said, the science of positive thinking also means the link between a problem-solving approach and a positive outcome.
The immune system and physical fitness are affected by a positive mindset as well
Expert therapists say it pays off to maintain positive thinking for the sake of health. Here’s why:
- Stress is easier to regulate with positive thinking. A body under stress releases cortisol, also called the stress hormone. Frequent stress (fueled by a negative mindset) causes frequent cortisol spikes that slowly make a person insulin-resistant (cortisol is responsible for reduced insulin secretion). As a result, it becomes harder to lose weight. Furthermore, cortisol suppresses the immune response, making a person prone to sickness. Considering every person in the world is subjected to stress, how do some people cope with stress better than others? It’s the practiced positive mindset that plays a significant role in this. People who respond to stressful events with a grounded and a bit more optimistic view of it can prevent stress levels from skyrocketing and thus keep their health in check, studies show.
- The level of physical fitness is also affected by either positive or negative thinking. World-class athletes confirm this year after year. All of them attributed their outstanding results to their mindset. It all came down to the continued practice of a positive train of thought, especially during exhausting, sometimes brutal training sessions. Furthermore, less-than-expected results represented an actual test of their mindset. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, they learned from them. They maintained a high energy level by staying on the positive side of the mental spectrum. This example proves that an uplifting mindset boosts energy levels at large.
Those who practice positive thinking have a longer life span
Various studies over the last decade suggest that the link between optimism and life span is very likely. Studies show that a person who channels anger and negativity through hobbies is expected to retain brain cognition and a robust immune system. That’s why a longer life span is noticeable among those who instead choose optimism and problem-solving instead of dwelling on negativity.
Low risk of engaging in risky behaviors
Chances of seeing an optimistic and motivated person entering crack cocaine rehab are non-existent. With an optimistic mindset as an anchor, risky (or life-threatening) behaviors are the last to think of. However, drawing the line between negative and positive risk is essential. Positive risk pushes a person towards success. Conversely, risky behaviors only set a path to self-destructive life, addictions, etc.
How can those who struggle with addictions develop a positive mindset?
Long-term addiction involves an array of negative emotions, as well as feelings of guilt and shame. To overcome it, an individual must begin from scratch. Medical and psychological assistance is required throughout the entire recovery process. The duration of a treatment depends upon the severity of the addiction and the individual. Once the leading root causes of addiction are addressed, the patient can proceed to further stages. That involves deep-dive therapy sessions and learning to recognize emotions, behavioral patterns, needs, etc. The purpose of this is also to help a patient starts seeing life from multiple perspectives and how to swap outdated, negative train of thought for a more positive one. That way, patients understand the power of a disciplined and positive mind.
In case you need recovery, rest assured it’s possible to rise above all those addictive patterns, live a healthy life, and build a positive mindset. The decision to transform your life is enough to start a recovery process. However, it’s important where it will continue. Spending your recovery in a safe and uplifting environment with a team of professionals who care about your well-being is in your best interest.
Variety of programs for different types and levels of addiction severity
There are numerous addiction solutions Florida rehab centers provide. They tackle all addiction segments and provide practical tools that make a patient independent in their post-recovery period. Some of them are:
- Intensive inpatient program Florida – Intended for severe addiction cases. A person suffering from addiction is placed in a rehab facility and subjected to 24/7 routine, medical assistance, and therapy.
- Intensive outpatient program Florida – A patient doesn’t have to spend days in a rehab center. They’re, however, obligated to attend rehab five days a week for several hours.
- Aftercare treatment – First month is when a patient applies all learned skills. However, this is the period when the risk of relapse is high. Therefore, aftercare treatments are almost necessary. Over time, a patient becomes more confident and self-disciplined and deals with triggers that would cause a relapse.
Psychotherapy as an anchor
The mental aspect of addiction is the hardest to overcome. First, psychotherapy must help patients face all negative behaviors that hinder progress. Psychotherapies involving CBT and DBT take time, patience, and deep analysis. The more a patient faces themself, the more they start recognizing the addiction triggers. Furthermore, they regain the emotional palette they temporarily lost due to years of lousy alcohol or drug addiction cycle. But, of course, it’s not enough to get to the roots of addiction and stop there. The turning point towards a positive mindset begins when a patient understands their strengths. They also start to care more about their mental state and how they feel.
The first big measurable success is when a patient starts to see themself as someone worthy and robust. That alone is enormous progress. When a patient begins a journey toward total recovery, guilt, insecurity, and an array of negative emotions weigh them down. A patient believes there won’t be a chance for better, more positive life for them. That’s why the recovery runs smoother once the turning point is reached. It’s then safe to say that a patient has more hope for the future.
What to know about admission and funding a recovery
Before you begin searching for inpatient rehab Florida programs (or any other program for that matter), learn what it must be done to start a recovery process:
- Medical detox is mandatory for an addict to enter rehab.
- Once they enter rehab, patients must comply with the rules of the treatment center. That includes a strict schedule consisting of therapies, activities, etc.
Depending on the program, duration, and rehab center will cost. Various insurance coverage options can make the financial aspect of rehab a lot easier. For example, let’s say you or your loved one require insurance coverage for alcohol rehab programs; You’ve come across Aetna insurance, which seems to cover your needs. However, the question is: does Aetna cover alcohol rehab? Contact multiple rehab centers to check if they accept that kind of coverage.
Another way to cover the cost of rehab is through online fundraising platforms. All you have to do is post a proposal and explain the purpose of raising money. You won’t have to return the donated money. Online crowdfunding is a smart way to raise enough funds.
Ways positive thinking is achieved during rehab
Self-care, socialization, and psychotherapy sessions have a mutual goal besides keeping a person sober. It’s the enhancement of positive thinking and helping a person understand how to make the most of it.
The longer a person is away from drugs and external triggers, the more chances for recovery. Patients need to express themselves in a safe space and overcome addiction with assistance. The duration of rehab plays a vital role as well. Before you sign a deal with any insurance company, ask any center you contact does Amerihealth cover drug rehab, for instance. Once you have all settled, you, or someone close to you, can start making steps towards a healthier and more joyful life.
Group settings
The majority of successful addiction recovery journeys are in group settings. Besides psychological sessions, group sessions include participation in different tasks and activities. When a person in recovery is faced with others on a similar quest, it becomes easier to go through each day with more hope. One’s progress becomes a powerful, positive motivation for others. This is precisely why group settings have a tremendous success rate. Recovering individuals connect through compassion and learn how to uplift one another.
Self-care
All programs (meth rehab Florida programs, alcohol, etc.) include self-care practices. As a big part of addiction recovery, self-care brings a patient closer to a positive, life-changing outlook. Due to years of self-neglect and destructive habits, a recovering individual has to be reminded why physical, mental, and emotional self-care matters. It starts with simple tasks, from regular hygiene to meditation sessions. These tasks slowly build into a wide range of self-care habits a patient once forgot about. For instance, by learning how to diminish toxic thoughts, a patient makes themselves feel better. This is another glimpse of the power of a patient’s positive thinking.
Practical tasks
Whether through workshops or outdoor activities, a patient gets familiar with other activities that can be a creative outlet, a vent-out, etc. Past addictive patterns and behaviors become replaced with a hobby or group task that uplifts a person and helps adopt a positive life perspective. The key is for a patient to understand that life can be rebuilt step by step.
Therapies involving family members
At reputable drug rehab Palm Beach centers, families often get involved in a patient’s recovery process. This especially comes in the later stages of recovery, during which a patient’s mindset shifts. Hence why family support is critical. When a patient does n0t feel alone, recovery goes much more accessible.
People can improve their lives by adopting a more optimistic mindset
Scientists believe we have only scratched the surface of the science of positive thinking. There’s a lot more to be discovered to explain how a positive mindset can impact our brain chemistry, mood, and, thus, behavior. However, it’s evident that positive thinking, or the absence of it, plays a significant role in our lives. It can make it better and help with building necessary mental resilience.