The correlation between a positive attitude and mental health is well documented in extant research. The mechanism underlying the link between health and optimism is a subject of intrigue. Experts believe that people who are more positive may be better protected against the inflammatory damage caused by stress. Also, studies show that optimism can even mediate a history of certain ailments. Conversely, scholars indicate that a negative attitude might decrease immunological response, thereby making one predisposed to developing mental and physiological maladies. Evidently, a positive attitude makes a positive difference!
Be positive. Your mind is more powerful than you think. What is down in the well comes up in the bucket. Fill yourself with positive things. –Tony Dungy
Positive Thinking--What it Does Not Mean
Positive thinking does not imply ignoring life's challenges.
Positive thinking does not necessarily involve avoiding difficult situations.
Positive thinking does not mean being an idealist rather than a realist.
Positive thinking does not suggest having unreasonable optimism.
Positive Thinking--What it Means
Positive thinking means approaching difficulties positively and constructively.
Positive thinking means expecting the best rather than the worst to happen.
Positive thinking entails demonstrating an optimistic attitude.
Positive thinking involves focusing on the good in a given situation.
Positive thinking encompasses exhibiting a realistic outlook.
Positive thinking means having positive cognitions irrespective of circumstance.
Positive English Idioms
Explore ten idioms in English that encourage a positive attitude.
Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results. – Willie Nelson
1. Count Your Blessings
Meaning
Rather than complain, be grateful and appreciate the positive things in your life.
Example
Many students learn to stop complaining about their language challenges and count their blessings by focusing on the progress they've made thus far.
2. Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
Meaning
Try to avoid feeling hopeless because difficult situations are temporary and will be replaced by favorable circumstances. Difficulties may be compared to dark clouds blocking the sun. If you peer closely at the edge of the clouds, you can see the light (symbolic of better times) streaming through like a silver lining.
Example
The pandemic was an absolute disaster at the time, but every cloud has a silver lining because the associated lockdown afforded me more time to study English.
3. Everything’s Coming Up Roses
Meaning
Virtually everything in life is going great. Life is primarily positive and beneficial at present.
Example
Now that John is able to communicate freely in English, everything's coming up roses for him.
4. Fight Tooth and Nail
Meaning
Exert diligence and display determination in achieving a goal.
Example
Many nonnative speakers fight tooth and nail to maintain their linguistic proficiency.
5. Hang in There
Meaning
Don't give up when faced with adversity.
Example
Learning English can be difficult at times. But don't give up; after you've mastered the basics, it merely gets simpler with time and perseverance.
6. Keep Your Chin Up
Meaning
Stay positive no matter how bad a situation may be.
Example
If you're unsuccessful in mastering English, keep your chin up and keep trying.
7. There is Light at the End of the Tunnel
Meaning
A period of difficulty is about to come to an end.
Example
Patience, dedication, and determination in language learning will help you to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
8. When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade
Meaning
Make the best of a difficult situation.
Example
Many could no longer attend in-person lectures due to the coronavirus outbreak. But they studied via online lectures. They reasoned, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
9. When One Door Closes, Another One Opens
Meaning
A missed opportunity often results in a new opportunity.
Example
The pandemic interrupted in-person teaching globally. But when one door closes, another one opens. The ensuing lockdown resulted in virtual classes which proved to be flexible and efficient.
10. You’ve Got Nothing to Lose
Meaning
Pursuing a certain course will not worsen present circumstances or lead to disadvantages. The pursuit will only result in advantages.
Example
Enroll in a course at VIP English Learners! You've got nothing to lose!
In summary, there is a direct connection between positive thinking and health and well-being. Positive thinking involves being realistic and optimistic. Applying the thoughts that govern positive idioms in English can engender positive thoughts and foster healthy well-being. You can learn more through expert-led courses facilitated by VIP English Learners.
Enroll now, and before long, everything will be coming up roses!