Motown Savvy

I always enjoy writer Jane Brody of the New York Times. Her recent column “Turning Negative Thinkers into Positive Ones,” provides food for thought. It’s scientifically proven that positive thoughts can help with physical stress, depression and overall health. There are even some tips she garnered from the experts she quotes in the article. The tips are below, and here is the link for the entire article.

Do good things for other people. In addition to making others happier, this enhances your own positive feelings. It can be something as simple as helping someone carry heavy packages or providing directions for a stranger.

Appreciate the world around you. It could be a bird, a tree, a beautiful sunrise or sunset or even an article of clothing someone is wearing. I met a man recently who was reveling in the architectural details of the 19th-century houses in my neighborhood.

Develop and bolster relationships. Building strong social connections with friends or family members enhances feelings of self-worth and, long-term studies have shown, is associated with better health and a longer life.

Establish goals that can be accomplished. Perhaps you want to improve your tennis or read more books. But be realistic; a goal that is impractical or too challenging can create unnecessary stress.

Learn something new. It can be a sport, a language, an instrument or a game that instills a sense of achievement, self-confidence and resilience. But here, too, be realistic about how long this may take and be sure you have the time needed.

Choose to accept yourself, flaws and all. Rather than imperfections and failures, focus on your positive attributes and achievements. The loveliest people I know have none of the external features of loveliness but shine with the internal beauty of caring, compassion and consideration of others.

Illustration by Paul Rogers

Tags: Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, Dr. Richard Davidson, Glass half-full, Jane Brody, New York Times, Paul Rogers, Turning Negative Thoughts into Positive Ones