The power of positive thoughts on our health

Most people have probably heard the saying, “change your thoughts, change your life.” There is great truth to this because how we think can significantly impact our mental and physical health. Consider the power of placebo. It is not the placebo that heals a person, but a person’s belief in it that does the healing. Clearly, the mind is extremely powerful which is great news for us because when we think healthy thoughts, the body finds it easier to be healthy.

One way we can utilize the power of the mind is with positive affirmations. I find affirmations to be very helpful as I live with the ups and downs of a very challenging neurological disorder called dystonia.

Affirmations are positive, specific statements that can condition the subconscious mind to develop a more positive perception of ourselves. Affirmations help improve our health and the perception of our health, change harmful thoughts and behaviors, accomplish goals, and have a brighter outlook on all situations in life. They can also help undo damage caused by negative things we repeatedly tell ourselves (or what others repeatedly tell us) that contribute to a negative self-perception.

Positive affirmations bring to life our capabilities, strengths, talents, and skills. When we say “I can’t”, the energy of those words repel against us. When we say “I can”, we are better able to achieve what we desire. Look at affirmations the same way as repetitive exercises that improve our physical health. Positive mental repetitions reprogram the brain so we begin to think and act in a healthier way.

Additionally, when we think positively, the pituitary gland disperses endorphins which are effective in releasing energy that eases healing and relieves pain. When we have negative thoughts, noradrenaline (a stress hormone sometimes referred to as norepinephrine) is dispersed.

Write down areas in your life or behaviors you want to improve. For each, come up with a positive, present-tense statement you can repeat to yourself several times a day. Below are some health related affirmations. Even if some of them are not true at the moment, but how you want things to be, say them anyway. We can manifest anything with the right mindset that is consistent. Keep in mind that anger, bitterness, and resentment are also affirmations. They are the ones to avoid if we want to be healthy.

Affirmations

• My ability to conquer (insert health condition) and other challenges is limitless.
• My mind is clear and calm.
• My body is balanced and strong.
• I make healthy choices. I have respect for myself.
• My only work is to relax and breathe.
• I am grateful to be alive today. It is my joy to live another day.
• I am willing to ask for help when I need it.
• I am pain free.
• Everything that is happening now is for my ultimate good.
• I am at peace with what has happened, is happening, and will happen.
• I sleep in peace and wake in joy.
• Every day in every way I am getting healthier and feeling better.
• I love and care for my body and it cares for me.
• I am in control of my life and health.
• I value my time and energy.
• I allow myself to play and enjoy life.
• I am full of energy and vitality.
• Every day is a new day full of hope, happiness, and health.

Affirmations should use positive language and clearly express what you desire. It is important to use affirmations with “I”, “I am”, and “I will” statements, affirming that you will use your abilities to achieve your goal. Close your eyes, shut out the rest of the world, and repeat the words, thinking what they mean to you. Feel the emotions that the affirmations evoke.

An affirmation I often say is, “My mind is clear and calm. My body is balanced and strong. My heart is loving and pure.” These are all areas where I feel the need to focus my attention to achieve balance in my life. The more I repeat this, the more it becomes part of my everyday life, positively impacting everything I do.

Developing a positive mindset is one of the most powerful life strategies at our disposal. With positive affirmations and visualization, it is possible to transform our life and our health, and renew joy and passion. For more health affirmations, please see the work done by Louise Hay.

Edited excerpt from Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey

Tom Seaman is a Certified Professional Life Coach in the area of health and wellness, and author of the book, Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey, a comprehensive resource for anyone suffering with any life challenge. He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, health blogger, and volunteers for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, for WEGO Health as a patient expert panelist, and is a member and writer for Chronic Illness Bloggers Network. To learn more about Tom’s coaching practice and get a copy of his book, visit www.tomseamancoaching.com. Follow him on Twitter @Dystoniabook1 and Instagram