A Note from Ilana – March 2018

A Note from Ilana

“Shine Bright like a Diamond” the Power of Positivity!

Are we positive thinkers?  Does what we think and feel really influence our self worth and well-being? Does the mental and physical advantages of a positive mindset enhance the quality of our life and longevity?  The answer is big fat YES!

As an Ambassador for Global Wellness Day, our mission is to advocate the importance of well-being and encourage a healthily lifestyle into our community.  Positive thinking falls in line with our manifesto which embraces wellness.

A positive outlook has been shown to help us live longer and provide a booster to our immune system. People with an optimistic outlook manage better and a good temperament can establish our capability for coping with stress and life’s challenges.  Having a positive state of mind makes us resilient

There have been studies and research on the impact that negativity has on us. Studies have shown the causes of depression and anxiety as well as the effectiveness of a variety of treatments.  Recently research has shifted to improve not only the negative force of these gloomy symptoms but also to increase positive emotions and happiness. Experts have enlightened us that negative emotions tend to be stronger than positive emotions. Having referred to as a “negativity bias” in our thinking, there is a reason for it. Thousands of years ago when we did not trust people outside our tribe and worried about what foods and animals were safe, negative thoughts were necessary to survive — and positive ones had less value.

Some studies showed that environmental factors that were “controlled” by life choices, could have impact on emotional temperament that could help determine longevity. Dramatic findings show that attitude can profoundly influence not only the quality but also the length of our lives. However,  the research wasn’t just about happiness. It was about the effect these positive life approaches might have on the devastating effects of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The power of positivity has a natural immunization against the negative effects of such diseases.  Research has revealed that people with a positive outlook have less disease and lower death rates.

So what if our natural character isn’t so blissful?  Can we change who we are emotionally?  Totally….. and it’s remarkably easy.

Planned activities that we intentionally engage in to bring joy into our life make the difference. Acknowledging gratitude has always been a staple in transforming negativity. Reviewing gratitude and reflecting on something we are thankful for has a powerful capacity to reframe our memory by highlighting specific things that we are grateful for.  Revisiting something that made you feel appreciative can create a feeling of optimism which has the equivalent benefits for our emotional well- being.

So with March Madness in the air, whenever you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to manage the way you respond to that experience.  That’s where your inner power comes alive.  Don’t be afraid of what can go wrong, be optimistic and constructive about what can go right.

 “Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”  – Willie Nelson

March on and be happy!

In wellness

Ilana