Skip to Content Skip to Navigation Accessibility Policy Click to login to your Account
Get free shipping on all subscription orders + save 20% Shop Now
Bulletproof Bulletproof is a food and beverage company, known for Bulletproof Coffee and products that fuel your mind and body.
Menu
Shop
Shop
Coffee
Ground Whole Bean Single-Serve Pods The High Achiever™ Starter Kits Creamers & Mix-Ins Build Your Coffee Routine View all
MCT Oil
Brain Octane Oil MCT Oil View all
Proteins
Collagen Protein Protein Bars Collagen Protein Plus Support View all
Supplements
Greens Gummy Vitamins Daily Wellness Immune Support Stress & Sleep Gut & Digestive Health Energy & Brain Health Bone & Joint Support Build Your Wellness Routine View all
Other
Tech Coffee Mugs & Bottles Books View all
Shop All Products
Looking for a personalized product line up?
Take the Quiz
Health Upgrades
Health Upgrades
Guides
Immune Boost Sleep Hacks Brain Upgrades Weight Loss & Diet Anti-Aging View all
Supplements
Greens Gummy Vitamins Daily Wellness Immune Support Stress & Sleep Gut & Digestive Health Energy & Brain Health Bone & Joint Support Build Your Wellness Routine View all
Bulletproof Product Quiz
Product Quiz
Customize your routine

Personalize your product lineup in minutes. Plus, score 20% off!

Take Quiz
Looking for a personalized product line up?
Take the Quiz
Recipes
Recipes
Recipes
Snacks Breakfasts Main Dishes Beverages Desserts Keto Paleo View all
Shop All Products
Bulletproof Coffee Recipe
FEATURED RECIPE
BULLETPROOF COFFEE: THE OFFICIAL RECIPE
VIEW RECIPE
Beginner keto cookbook
Free eCookbook
21 Easy Recipes to Fuel Your Keto Journey
Download Now
Looking for a personalized product line up?
Take the Quiz
Learn
Learn
Where to Start
Take the Product Quiz About Bulletproof Bulletproof for Beginners Bulletproof Coffee: The Official Recipe What makes Bulletproof Coffee Beans Different? What are MCT Oils? What is Collagen Protein? Starter Kits Newsletters & Guides
Keto Kickstart
Keto Beginners Guide Calculating Carbs Alcohol Guide Keto Foods List Dirty vs. Clean Keto Weight Loss Troubleshooting Keto Recipes
Bulletproof Blog
Diet Recipes Coffee Supplements Sleep Gut Health Lifestyle View all
Books
Game Changers The Bulletproof Diet Bulletproof The Cookbook View all
Shop All Products
Looking for a personalized product line up?
Take the Quiz
Subscribe & Save 20%
Deals
Deals Take the Product Quiz Subscribe & Save 20% expand/collapse Store Locator Account Cart
Deals Take the Product Quiz Subscribe & Save 20% expand/collapse Account Cart
Search

Share

product
https://www.bulletproof.com/lifestyle/how-to-think-positive-and-why-it-matters/ article-63753 A Guide on How to Think Positive—and Why it Matters https://www.bulletproof.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/bearded-man-is-meditating-outdoor-in-the-park-with-face-raised-up-to-picture-id1202967330-1-300x160.jpg 1 USD InStock Lifestyle Mindfulness Mindset Positivity Stress Management article
Home / Lifestyle
|June 15, 2021

A Guide on How to Think Positive—and Why it Matters

By Sarah Kuta

A Guide on How to Think Positive—and Why it Matters

  • Negative thoughts are different for everyone, but they often include negative self-talk and ruminating on negative situations or encounters.
  • These negative thinking patterns can be detrimental to your overall health and well-being. But with a few simple steps, you can start to adopt a more positive outlook and mindset.
  • Journaling, yoga, exercise, positive self-talk and other practices can not only help you become a more positive thinker, but can also help boost your self-confidence.

The next time you find yourself in a negative situation, pay close attention to your thoughts. What does the voice inside your head sound like? What is it saying? Is it upbeat and optimistic, or full of doom and gloom? Sure, having a few random negative thoughts here and there is unavoidable. But if you notice a troublesome pattern of consistently negative thoughts, your thinking habits may start to spill over into other areas of your life, making you feel unhappy, nervous, worried or distracted.

However, you can take steps to combat these negative thoughts and adopt a more positive attitude. Some optimists are just born that way, but others become more optimistic with lots of practice, mindfulness and a belief in the power of positive thinking. Here’s what you need to know about the potential consequences of negative thoughts—and how to stay positive, even during life’s most difficult moments.

Table of Contents

  • The impact of negative thoughts
  • How to transition out of negative thought patterns
  • What is positive thinking and why is it important?
  • How to think positive
  • The benefits of positive thinking

The impact of negative thoughts

Sad woman sitting alone.

Between upsetting developments on the nightly news and our own personal struggles at work and at home, it’s no surprise that negative thoughts can easily creep into our brains. From negative self-talk (“I’m not good enough”) to an overall pessimistic outlook on life (“The world is a terrible place”), negative thoughts are different for everyone. And though you may try to just brush them off or ignore them, they can actually have a real impact on your mental health and well-being over time.

In fact, research has found that negative thoughts and rumination can be detrimental to overall health. Repetitive negative thinking has also been linked with an increased risk for developing dementia and cognitive decline.[1][2]

How to transition out of negative thought patterns

Man sitting on mountains.

If you start to notice negative thought patterns seeping into areas of your life, don’t fret. You aren’t doomed to thinking these negative thoughts forever or becoming a negative person. Here are a few ways to start transitioning away from negative thoughts and emotions:

  • Identify the problem: The first step to addressing any problem is to simply be aware of it. Identifying and even naming the issue at hand—”I’m having negative thoughts”—can help you start to understand how to tackle it.
  • Assess bad habits: Take stock of your daily and weekly routine. Are you grappling with habits like substance abuse, a bad diet, lack of exercise or too much time spent at work that may be contributing to negative thoughts? If so, investigate each habit on its own, then develop strategies for slowly reducing or eliminating these practices over time. Take note of how you feel when you start working out or eating a diet full of fresh, whole foods.
  • Purge your social circle of negative people/influences: Good or bad, the people we spend our time with often have a huge impact on our self-esteem, confidence levels and coping skills. If you spend time with Negative Nancies, it makes total sense that negative thoughts will also start to permeate your psyche. But if you surround yourself with optimistic people, you’ll be more inclined to look on the bright side, even during sticky situations.
  • Eliminate negative self-talk: The next time you have a negative thought about yourself like “I don’t like how I look” or “I’ll never get that promotion because I’m not smart enough,” take a step back and challenge that line of thinking. Eliminating negative self-talk is an important first step toward developing more positivity.
  • Ask for help: There’s no shame in asking experts for help. Explore consultations with different therapists and wellness professionals, whose arsenal of tools can help you banish negative self-talk and negative emotions.

Related: 10 Morning Routines Ideas to Level Up Your Day

What is positive thinking and why is it important?

Woman making the peace sign.

Positive thinking is exactly what the name suggests: It’s the practice of thinking positive thoughts instead of negative ones.

We all have that little voice inside our heads that narrates our thoughts and feelings throughout the day. When this little voice focuses on the positives, rather than the negatives, you’ll likely find yourself feeling happier, lighter, upbeat, energized and motivated. Being more optimistic, rather than pessimistic, can help boost your physical health and mental health.

How to think positive

Young couple laughing together in a park.

Wondering how to have a more positive outlook on life? Here are seven simple steps you can take to get positive thoughts and emotions flowing.

1. Practice gratitude

Throughout your day, actively and intentionally take note of everything you’re grateful for. Whether it’s the refreshing feeling of sunshine on your face, a cuddle from one of your pets or an encouraging text message from a friend, nothing is too small or simple. Keeping a daily gratitude journal can help, too, since you can look back through all the positive thoughts and occurrences in your life over time.

2. Recite positive affirmations each morning

Research some positive affirmations that resonate with you and jot them down. Then, every morning, repeat these positive affirmations to yourself a few times to help start your day off on a positive note.

Pro tip: There are several convenient positive affirmation smartphone apps that can help with this. Try downloading ThinkUp, Kwippy, Shine, Grateful or Calm to guide your uplifting journey.

More From Bulletproof

  • This Yoga Nidra Routine Will Make You Feel Like You Got a Full Night’s Sleep
  • Fun Ways to Exercise: 23 Unconventional Workout Ideas
  • 15 Small Things You’re Doing Wrong That Have a Huge Impact on Your Wellness
  • Mind-Body Motivation: 16 Ways to Reignite Your Routine

3. Meditate

Even just a few minutes of simple breathing exercises can help you re-center yourself and overcome negative thoughts and emotions. Taking a guided meditation or yoga course, whether at a studio or virtually, can help you set aside dedicated time for this practice. You may even want to try a yoga nidra routine, which can help put your body and mind at ease after a long day. Having trouble setting the tone? Bulletproof Zen Mode contains the perfect blend of calm to get you into the yoga zone.

4. Learn to find humor

Don’t be afraid to spend a few minutes scrolling through funny videos on TikTok or chuckling at memes on Instagram. On top of that, remember that nobody’s perfect, and sometimes it’s best to laugh off awkward situations or mishaps.

5. File bad experiences as lessons learned

Instead of dwelling on your mistakes or bad experiences, reframe your approach. File these negative moments away as important learning moments, and consider what you can take away from each one.

6. Be kind to yourself

Banish negative self-talk from your brain. Instead of silently criticizing how you look in the mirror at the gym or how you performed during a recent PowerPoint presentation at work, be kind and gentle with yourself. Talk to yourself as if you were speaking to a dear friend or family member. Practicing positive self-talk—using positive words when thinking about yourself—can have a huge impact on boosting your positive psychology.[3]

7. Surround yourself with positive people

Your friends, family members, coworkers and even pets can have a huge impact on how positive or negative you feel throughout the week. Surround yourself with positive people, and though it may be difficult at first, consider ending toxic or negative relationships.

The benefits of positive thinking

Silhouette of woman during sunset.

Positive thinking isn’t just some mumbo jumbo health practice. It can actually have a measurable effect on your well-being.

Research has found that positive thinking can help reduce anxiety and worry.[4] It’s also been linked with a longer lifespan and greater success in life (and who doesn’t want that?!). [5][6]

Having a positive mindset may also help reduce the risk of health problems and lead to a quicker recovery after major life events, such as the death of a family member.[7]

The bottom line: Positive thinking is a research-backed way to improve your mental health and your physical health. With incremental changes, you can train yourself into being more of a positive thinker. Soon enough, you’ll notice positive changes to many aspects of your life, from work to relationships.

It’s time to put yourself first! Learn how to design a self-care plan so you can continue to treat yourself to the personal growth you deserve.

Join the Bulletproof Revolution

Sign up for early access to sales, product launches, the latest Bulletproof news and more!

Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Products sold on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for direct, individual medical treatment or advice. It is the responsibility of you and your healthcare providers to make all decisions regarding your health. Bulletproof recommends that you consult with your healthcare providers regarding the diagnosis and treatment of any disease or condition.

About Sarah Kuta

Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. Kuta received her Journalism degree from Northwestern University before beginning her career as an outdoor recreation reporter for the Colorado Daily newspaper. She now writes about travel, food and beverage and science for a range of publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine and allrecipes. When she's not researching and writing you can find her spending time with her dog Daisy, hiking, riding bikes or reading.

References

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15184696
[2] https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.100...
[3] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51704153_Effects_of...
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000579671...
[5] https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/psp805804.pdf
[6] https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/bul-1316803.pdf
[7] https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/hea-244413.pdf

TAGS

MindfulnessMindsetPositivityStress Management

Related Bulletproof

This Yoga Nidra Routine Will Make You Feel Like You Got a Full Night’s Sleep_header
This Yoga Nidra Routine Will Make You Feel Like You Got a Full Night’s Sleep
A man on a slackline in the park
Fun Ways to Exercise: 23 Unconventional Workout Ideas
Woman sleeping at her desk
15 Small Things You’re Doing Wrong That Have a Huge Impact on Your Wellness
Woman drinking Bulletproof Greens before a workout.
Mind-Body Motivation: 16 Ways to Reignite Your Routine
Sign up today & save 15%
SHOP
  • Coffee
  • MCT Oils
  • Proteins
  • Supplements
  • Other
  • All Products
Learn
  • Bulletproof for Beginners
  • Recipes
  • Newsletters & Guides
  • Bulletproof Blog
  • Books
CUSTOMER CARE
  • Contact Us
  • Shipping Policy
  • Return Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
COMPANY
  • About Us
  • Press
  • Careers
  • Customer Reviews
  • Rewards
  • Give $15, Get $15
PARTNERS
  • Store Locator
  • Wholesale
  • Ambassador Program
  • Affiliate Program
Discover What Better Feels Like
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

†Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice. | ©Bulletproof 360, Inc. 2013–2023

  • Privacy Policy|
  • Terms|
  • Reseller Policy|