POSITIVITY/NEGATIVITY - Any relation to our genes?

Research has shown that people who are suffering from depression and anxiety often develop ingrained negative thinking patterns as a result t of negative life experience and their negative reactions to these events. Research has also discovered that it might be inherited from 'genes'. You might think that only physical appearances like eye colour, hair colour, etc. are the only things that you have inherited from your parents, but research has shown that our attitude and negative or positive outlook of life can also be hereditary.

This however does not mean that you are stuck with whatever genes that nature may have imparted to you. Studies have proved that your personality is built upon two parts. Half from your genes and inheritance, the other half is for you to cultivate. Whether you think of the glass as half empty or half full is based solely on yourself.

Being positive is not only hoping that things would work out for the best, but it also includes believing in the success of oneself when you set out to achieve goals. An optimist would tend to see setbacks and problems as temporary. With failures, they would take it as a building block up their path to success. This attitude often acts a buffer against stress as they react to problems and failure with zest, planning and calculated actions. They make the best out of any situation, be it bad or good, that they might be embroiled in.

A negative outlook would bring on bouts of depression and anxiety. This would lead to you doing poorly in whatever that you are doing. This would be largely due to the fact that you have a low self esteem and confidence of your ability. Research has shown that being negative can shorten your lifespan!

ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD HELP CHANNEL POSITIVISM

Be aware of your automatic thoughts. Recognizing them would be the first step to changing them.

Create a log book where what you are thinking or feeling when faced with a problem and jot it down. Think through your thoughts and challenge them. Put to the test. Ask yourself questions:

* Are my thoughts true or reasonable?
* Is there any support or reasons why I am thinking this way?
* Any other explanation available?
* Is it helpful or hurtful for me to think this way?

Treat yourself as a friend. You wouldn't berate your friend when she is feeling down right? Instead you would try to make her feel better by saying nice thoughts and advising her to look on the bright side of life. In like manner, you should also act this way to yourself.

THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU ARE FEELING NEGATIVE.

1. Rent a funny movie to watch.
2. Plan a dream vacation and splurge on whatever you want to.
3. Do some gardening.
4. Go out for a walk.
5. Write down a list of blessings that you have been blessed with and take it out to view whenever you are feeling down.
6. Put yourself to task and accomplish something.
7. Always be cheerful and be careful what you think
8. Visit a friend that you have not seen for a while.

Be a light to others and the shadows of stress will be reduced.

Seeing the light of others will help you to keep from stumbling on your own journey of life.

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