Positive psychology studies support having a positive attitude improves health, happiness and even success.  In fact, having an optimistic attitude, according to Dr. Martin Seligman, from the University of Pennsylvania, suggest a positive attitude, “allows people to rise to life’s challenges, overcome adversity, resist illness and depression and lead happier, more successful lives.”  That’s wonderful for optimistic people, but what if you are a person that finds having a positive attitude challenging?

As a cancer survivor, it can be difficult to have a positive attitude when you don’t feel good.  However, because the research is so overwhelmingly supportive that a positive attitude can make good things happen to the mind and body, it’s definitely worth cultivating a positive attitude to live life better.

In the words of Hubert Humphrey, “Oh, my friend, it’s not what they take away from you that counts.  It’s what you do with what you have left.”   The choice is do you want to stay miserable or do you want to change that?  Here are 5 simple ways to turn that frown upside down and work on a positive attitude.

1.  Think happy thoughts.  Easy right.  The point here is to “be aware” of your thoughts.  When a nasty negative thought comes in like I hate Mondays-try to quickly follow it up with a positive thought like I love –you fill in the blank.  William James, the father of modern psychology believes, “…anyone can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.”  Alter your life by changing your thoughts.

Another suggestion is to wear a rubber band on your wrist and when you are aware of a negative thought, “snap” the rubber bank on your wrist as a reminder to have positive thoughts.  Eventually, you will begin to train your brain to think positive thoughts.

2.  Affirmation. Affirmations are phrases or mantras that we play like a tape in our head to quiet the “noise” from our ego and the outside world.  A positive affirmation might be, I am happy, I am healthy, etc.

3.  Questions to ask yourself. When a negative thought enters your head and says something like “I am not going to get that promotion or I am not smart enough” ask yourself is this true?  Do I have facts to support this statement?  If not, accept that this is garbage and throw it out of your head.  Replace these negative tapes with your positive affirmations.

4.  Hang out with happy people. I think this is obvious but maybe you need to hear it again.  If you are down in the dumps and can’t find that positive peppy person that you know is inside of you, maybe it’s the company that you are keeping.  Look around and really listen to what your mates are talking about.  If it’s negative this and downer that—it’s time to hang out with happier people.

5.  Read inspirational books/quotes. Reading books like The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale-my personal favorite of positive reading, helped me get through my Stage 3 cancer.  Go to the library or your favorite bookstore and find your inspirational reading to feel inspired to think positive thoughts.

The research doesn’t lie and if you want to live a healthy and happy life –have a positive attitude.  Just as Winston Churchill new, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”