The 5 Powerful Benefits of a Positive, Happy Attitude

Positive Attitude

We’ve all heard the cliches about the need to have a positive attitude or to think positively. Here are a few examples to illustrate my point.

• Keep Your Chin Up – Think Positively and everything will work out
• It’s always darkest before the storm – you can weather anything
• Every cloud has a silver lining
• What the mind can conceive the body can achieve
• You can overcome any challenge you face.

These are just a few of the myriad examples of cliches used when discussing having a positive attitude.

But, are there any real tangible benefits that having a positive attitude provides, and is there any research supporting the benefits of having a positive attitude or positive outlook on the quality of a person’s life?

In this article, I want to explore the research surrounding the impacts of a positive attitude on a person’s quality of life and share my personal experiences using a positive attitude for leading an exceptional life with Parkinson’s – a degenerative brain disease.

Let’s look at the purported benefits first.

5 Benefits of Living with a Positive Attitude

1. Improved Mental Well-Being
   • It helps to develop resilience to stress and other negative factors in our lives
   • It can help to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety
   • Helps us maintain a more optimistic outlook on life.
2. Enhanced Physical Health
   • Research has shown a positive outlook leads to better health outcomes
   • Individuals with a positive outlook are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors
     • Regular Exercise
     • Balanced Diet
     • Getting Adequate Sleep
   • A positive outlook can boost the immune system and help us recover from illness more quickly.
3. Resilience
   • Helps with the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to challenges
   • People with a positive attitude are more likely to view setbacks as temporary and manageable
   • Helps people persevere through tough times, learn from failure and maintain a positive outlook for the future.
4. Improved Relationships
   • Positive people tend to attract positive energy and build stronger relationships.
   • Optimism often leads to better communication, empathy, and understanding when dealing with others.
   • Positive people tend to be great listeners
   • A positive outlook can
     • Help create a supportive social network
     • Improve personal connections with others
     • Foster a sense of belonging which is essential for living an overall satisfied life
5. Increased Success and Achievement
   • A positive attitude leads to improved focus, productivity, and motivation which are all essential for helping to achieve personal and professional goals.
   • People with a positive outlook are more likely to
     • Set ambitious goals
     • Take on challenges
     • Persist in the face of adversity
   • An optimistic attitude allows people to see opportunities in the face of adversity which can lead to success and fulfillment in all aspects of an individual’s life.

For additional information on living a positive life read my article

Parkinson’s – Make Your Life Spectacular

Before I go into greater detail on the benefits of a positive attitude, I want to stress the importance of not ignoring or suppressing negative feelings or emotions.

There can be underlying medical issues that need immediate attention if you have feelings of sadness, are becoming withdrawn from friends and family, and lose the desire to participate in things you enjoy.

Please seek professional help from your doctor or other certified medical professional. These feelings are nothing to be ashamed of, trained professionals can help.

A photo I took of the Moon and Stars over the ocean at Folly Beach, SC – early morning before sunrise

Before we look at the benefits of living life with a positive attitude, I wanted to discuss two of the neurotransmitters involved with our mood and happiness, one of which many of us living with Parkinson’s Disease are quite familiar with Dopamine and one of its counterparts Serotonin.

Don’t worry, while my college major was Biology, and I love science, I’m not going to get really technical and bore you (well, at least that’s my goal).

So let’s get a better understanding of how Dopamine and serotonin are involved in our mental well-being and their impact on living with a positive attitude.

Dopamine and Serotonin – Their Impact On A Positive Attitude

Dopamine and Serotonin are neurotransmitters.

What are neurotransmitters you ask and why are we talking about them? Let’s ask the experts to put neurotransmitters in simple terms.

The article Neurotransmitters: What They Are, Function and Types, Cleveland Clinic, March 2022 defines neurotransmitters as

“Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that your body can’t function without. Their job is to carry chemical signals (“messages”) from one neuron (nerve cell) to the next target cell. The next target cell can be another nerve cell, a muscle cell, or a gland.”

Essentially, neurotransmitters are involved in most of the body’s functions including our mood.

How do Dopamine and Serotonin play a role in our mood and in having a positive outlook? Let’s look at the role of each one and see how they directly impact our mood and outlook on life.

Dopamine – Its Effects on a Positive Attitude

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Dopamine is involved in not only keeping our bodies moving but also how we feel.

Dopamine plays a key role in not only how we move around but also how we react to the world. Dopamine is involved in the following functions.

1. Motor Control
   • Those of us with Parkison’s are quite familiar with what happens when our bodies don’t produce enough Dopamine, we have difficulty with movement.
   • When our body lacks Dopamine, we have trouble with our movement and develop a tremor, stiffness, and slow movement and begin to shuffle our feet when we walk, the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
   • When we have too much Dopamine we often experience Dyskinesias or uncontrollable movements.
2. Reward
   • Our brain has a reward center and when it is stimulated it releases dopamine.
   • Dopamine makes us feel good and makes us want to repeat the activity that we are doing so that we want to repeat it. It is a built-in survival mechanism. Eating makes us feel good (especially ice cream) and makes us want to eat more. See how that works?
   • Eating and sex as well as trying to avoid pain are some common examples of how Dopamine helps us survive.
   • While Dopamine is beneficial in making us feel good and helping us survive, it can play a major role in addiction.
   • Many “recreational drugs” people take affect the reward center of the brain causing releases of dopamine giving them the “feel good” response and making them want to repeat the behavior over and over, which leads to developing an addiction that is hard to break.
   • Another simple example of how dopamine affects our reward system and is involved in teens’ addiction to cell phones is the ding.
     • When we hear the ding on our cell phone it lets us know we received a notification (text message, social media comment, email).
     • A shot of dopamine is released because we feel compelled to check the phone to see who sent us a message.
     • A majority of the time the response is positive. So, every time we hear the ding our body releases Dopamine the happy, “go get it” feeling and we check the phone immediately.
     • This conditions us to carry our phones everywhere we go so we can immediately respond to the ding to get that happy feeling. This leads to a phone addiction.
3. Executive Function
   • In the article What is Executive Function?, Understood.org, Gail Belsky, she defines executive function as
   • “Executive function is a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life.”
   • The article describes executive function as “the Management System of the Brain”.
   • The article cites 3 types of executive function
     • Working memory
     • Cognitive flexibility (also called flexible thinking)
     • Inhibitory control (which includes self-control)
     • Source: What is Executive Function? Understood.org
   • Executive function is involved in many of the tasks and activities we do on a daily basis including
     • Paying attention
     • Organizing, planning, and prioritizing
     • Starting tasks and staying focused on them to completion
     • Understanding different points of view
     • Regulating emotions
     • Self-monitoring (keeping track of what you’re doing)
     • Source: What is Executive Function? Understood.org
   • Many people with Parkinson’s Disease struggle with Executive Function.
4. Arousal
   • Dopamine is involved in sexual arousal. I will leave it at that because I consider this a family-friendly site.
5. Reinforcement
   • In the article Dopamine: Beyond the Rush of Reward, Simons Foundation 1/24/2019 states
   • “Dopamine neurons become active when animals get an unexpected reward. And activating dopamine neurons in response to a certain behavior mimics the effect of an unexpected reward, positively reinforcing that behavior. Conversely, inhibiting dopamine neurons prevents animals from learning these associations.”

Wow, you probably didn’t realize that dopamine played so many roles. Hopefully, you can see how dopamine plays a major role in helping us have a positive attitude.

Now let’s look at its counterpart Serotonin and its impact on a positive attitude.

Serotonin – Functions and Affects on a Positive Attitude

The article Serotonin: What is It, Functions & Levels, Cleveland Clinic, Mar 2022 states Serotonin plays the following roles in the body.

“Serotonin plays several roles in your body, including influencing learning, memory, and happiness as well as regulating body temperature, sleep, sexual behavior, and hunger. Lack of enough serotonin is thought to play a role in depression, anxiety, mania, and other health conditions.“

For the sake of brevity and so, I am not putting you to sleep, this is all I will say about Serotonin.

Now Let’s turn our attention to the benefits of living with a positive attitude. Let’s look at these 5 benefits and decipher fact from fiction.

Benefits of a Positive Attitude – Improved Mental Well-Being

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

In the article Power of Positive Thinking, Johns Hopkins Health Journal, the article discusses a study conducted by Lisa Yanek, MPH, and her colleagues.

The study looked at patients with a family history of heart disease and compared the risk of having a heart attack between people who had a positive outlook versus a negative outlook.

They reported the following findings from their study.

“People with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive outlook were one-third less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event within five to 25 years than those with a more negative outlook.” (Source: Power of Positive Thinking, Johns Hopkins Journal)

“The finding held even in people with a family history who had the most risk factors for coronary artery disease, and positive people from the general population were 13 percent less likely than their negative counterparts to have a heart attack or other coronary event.”

Source: Power of Positive Thinking, Johns Hopkins Journal

The reduction in stress and other aspects of living a positive life (gratitude, changing negative thought patterns,) probably played a key role in their mental well-being, which impacted their physical health.

National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) monthly Newsletter Article Positive Emotions and Your Health, 8/2015, reports

“Research has found a link between an upbeat mental state and improved health, including lower blood pressure, reduced risk for heart disease, healthier weight, better blood sugar levels, and longer life.”

Finally, a recent article A Positive Attitude Can Protect Your Memory as You Age. Here’s How to Improve Your Outlook, Forbes, Apr 2023 cites a study that was conducted by the Yale University School of Public Health evaluating a positive attitude and its effect on memory loss as we age.

The Yale study involved following 1,700 older Americans over a decade to evaluate the effects of having a positive attitude on memory loss as they aged. The median age of these study participants was 78.

Two key points from this study were noted in the Forbes article.

“Participants who had a common type of memory loss known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but a positive attitude about aging—who did not agree with statements like, “The older I get, the more useless I feel”—were 30% more likely to eventually regain normal cognitive functioning than those with negative views, they found.” Source: A Positive Attitude Can Change Your Memory as You Age, Forbes April 2023.

“Those with optimistic views generally recovered more quickly too—on average, two years quicker than those with more pessimistic views.” Source: A Positive Attitude Can Change Your Memory as You Age, Forbes April 2023.

As you can see based on research that a positive attitude can provide an improved sense of well-being. This further reinforces learning to be positive if it is not part of your personality.

Below is a table summarizing the benefits of a positive attitude on our mental well-being.

Table: Benefits of Positive Attitude on Mental Well-being

Benefits	An optimistic perspective that helps regulate negative emotions
Increased resilience	Ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to challenges
Improved emotional regulation	Optimistic perspective that helps regulate negative emotions
Reduced stress and anxiety	Lower stress and anxiety levels through effective coping mechanisms
Enhanced self-esteem and self-worth	Healthier self-image and belief in one’s abilities
Strengthened social connections	Development of meaningful relationships and social support networks

For additional information on living a positive life, read my article.

4 Strategies for Living with Parkinson’s – The Quest To Lead An Exceptional Life

Benefits of A Positive Attitude – Enhanced Physical Health

Does a positive attitude play a role in enhancing our physical health? You bet.

Let’s examine how a positive attitude affects our physical health.

Living with a positive attitude has a profound impact on our physical health, as it influences various aspects of our well-being.

Research suggests that maintaining a positive outlook can lead to numerous benefits for our physical health.

1. Stress Reduction
   • A positive attitude reduces the detrimental effects of stress on the body.
   • Stress has been linked to various health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function.
   • By adopting a positive mindset, we are better equipped to cope with stress, activate relaxation responses, and mitigate the harmful physiological effects.
2. Promotes Healthier Lifestyle Choices
   • When we approach life with optimism, we are more likely to engage in activities that support our well-being, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep.
3. Triggers the release of Endorphins, Dopamine, and Serotonin
   • Neurotransmitters that promote feelings of well-being and act as natural painkillers. This can lead to reduced pain perception and increased pain tolerance.
4. Enhances our Immune System
   • Bolsters the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and promotes faster recovery from illnesses.
5. Positive Social Connections
   • Often fostered by a positive attitude, and contribute to physical health.
   • Strong social support networks have been linked to better cardiovascular health, lower mortality rates, and improved overall well-being.

In summary, cultivating a positive attitude not only uplifts our mental and emotional state but also has a tangible and positive impact on our physical health, supporting a holistic sense of well-being.

Benefits Of A Positive Attitude – Resilience

What is resilience? How does a positive attitude affect resilience?

Resilience refers to the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity, challenges, or traumatic experiences.

It is a valuable psychological resource that empowers individuals to navigate difficult situations with a sense of strength and perseverance.

A positive attitude plays a crucial role in fostering resilience and enhancing one’s ability to overcome setbacks.

Having a positive attitude contributes to resilience in several ways.

• A positive mindset helps individuals reframe negative experiences and view them as opportunities for growth and learning.
  • By focusing on the positives, individuals can maintain hope and optimism even in the face of adversity.
  • This allows them to find creative solutions, adapt to new circumstances, and move forward.
• By focusing on the positives, individuals can maintain hope and optimism even in the face of adversity.
  • This allows them to find creative solutions, adapt to new circumstances, and move forward.
• A positive attitude cultivates a sense of self-belief and confidence.
  • It helps individuals develop a strong internal focus and control, believing that they have the ability to influence and control their outcomes.
  • This self-assurance enables individuals to persevere and take proactive steps to overcome obstacles, rather than succumbing to helplessness or victimhood.

Research supports the positive impact of a positive attitude on resilience:

1. A study by Tugade and Fredrickson (2004) found that positive emotions broaden an individual’s thought-action repertoire, enabling them to consider a wider range of coping strategies.
   • This broadened perspective helps build resilience by fostering creativity, problem-solving, and flexible thinking in the face of adversity.
2. In a study conducted by Ong et al. (2016), positive affect (a measure of positive emotions and attitudes) was found to be associated with higher levels of resilience.
   • Individuals with a positive attitude were more likely to employ adaptive coping strategies, such as problem-solving and seeking social support, leading to better mental health outcomes.

Table: Benefits of Being Resilient for a Positive Life:

Benefits	Description
Improved mental well-being	Resilience helps individuals effectively cope with stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and maintain a positive outlook on life.
Increased emotional well-being	Resilient individuals experience greater emotional stability, allowing them to manage and regulate their emotions effectively.
Better physical health	Resilience has been linked to lower levels of stress-related health problems, improved immune function, and better overall physical health.
Enhanced problem-solving skills	Resilient individuals possess strong problem-solving skills, enabling them to overcome challenges and find effective solutions to life’s issues.
Greater personal growth and development	Resilience fosters a growth mindset, promoting personal growth, self-improvement, and a willingness to embrace change.

Citations:

1. Ong, A. D., Exner-Cortens, D., Riffin, C., & Steptoe, A. (2016). Positive Affect and Resilience to Stress: The Role of Social Support Availability. Journal of Happiness Studies, 17(3), 1161–1171.

These studies provide evidence supporting the relationship between a positive attitude, resilience, and the various benefits it offers for leading a positive and fulfilling life.

Benefits of A Positive Attitude – Improved Relationships

So you’re telling me that a positive attitude can improve relationships. Is their information to support this? Well, let’s see what a little research turned up on how a positive attitude improves relationships.

Having a positive attitude significantly enhances relationships and fosters healthier and more fulfilling connections with others.

A positive attitude brings several benefits to interpersonal interactions.

1. It cultivates empathy and compassion, allowing individuals to understand and relate to others’ experiences and emotions.
   • This empathy strengthens the bond between individuals and promotes a supportive and nurturing environment within relationships.
2. A positive attitude fosters effective communication.
   • Positive individuals tend to be better listeners, open to understanding different perspectives, and more skilled at expressing themselves in a respectful and constructive manner.
   • This leads to improved communication, reduced conflicts, and increased harmony in relationships.
3. A positive attitude generates a sense of optimism and gratitude, which positively influences the overall atmosphere of interactions.
   • Positive individuals often bring joy, laughter, and a sense of upliftment to their relationships, making them more enjoyable and rewarding.
   • Research supports the positive impact of a positive attitude on relationships

1. A study by Lambert et al. (2013) found that individuals with positive affect (positive emotions and attitudes) were more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors and exhibit higher relationship satisfaction. Positive individuals tend to be more helpful, considerate, and supportive, strengthening the bond between partners or within social networks.
2. In a study conducted by Gable et al. (2004), couples who displayed more positive affect during conflict discussions demonstrated higher relationship satisfaction and better conflict resolution. A positive attitude fosters constructive problem-solving, empathy, and cooperation, leading to healthier and more resilient relationships.

Table – Benefits of Having a Positive Attitude in Relationships

Benefits	Description
Increased empathy and understanding	A positive attitude fosters empathy and compassion, enhancing the ability to understand and relate to others’ experiences and emotions.
Improved communication skills	Positive individuals tend to be better listeners and more effective communicators, promoting understanding, reducing conflicts, and enhancing connection.
Enhanced relationship satisfaction	Maintaining a positive attitude contributes to higher levels of relationship satisfaction, enjoyment, and overall relationship quality.
Stronger social support networks	A positive attitude attracts and strengthens social support networks, providing a sense of belonging, emotional support, and resilience in relationships.
Increased cooperation and harmony	Positive individuals create an environment of cooperation, harmony, and joy in their relationships, fostering healthier and more fulfilling connections.

Citations:

1. Lambert, N. M., Clark, M. S., Durtschi, J., Fincham, F. D., & Graham, S. M. (2013). Benefits of Expressing Gratitude: Expressing Gratitude to a Partner Changes One’s View of the Relationship. Psychological Science, 24(6), 828–835.

Benefits of A Positive Attitude – Increased Success and Achievement

Before I delve into a big discussion on success & achievement, I wanted to share my personal thoughts on success & achievement.

To me, success isn’t about how many degrees someone has attained, the number of awards they have won, or even how successful they were in their career.

I view success as the personal satisfaction I get from setting a goal or overcoming a challenge or helping someone else through a difficult time, or helping someone and watching them grow and achieve. their goals.

I look at success as being able to “Pay It Forward” taking my successes and learning and sharing it with others so they can achieve and continue the chain.

To illustrate my point I wanted to share a graduation speech that I could relate to because it reinforces my point about sharing what you’ve learned to improve the lives of others. It’s called Lessons from a 3rd Grade Dropout by Dr. Rick Rigsby. Enjoy!

Read my article on Life changers for more information on success & achievement.

Life Changers – Who Are They? – Awesome Heroes, Coaches, and Mentors

A positive attitude can lead to increased motivation, focus, and productivity, which are essential for achieving personal and professional goals.

Positive individuals are more likely to set ambitious goals, take on challenges, and persist in the face of obstacles.

Their optimistic mindset allows them to see opportunities in adversity, leading to increased success and fulfillment in various areas of life.

Summary

While some people have been innately blessed with having a positive attitude, others have not. This doesn’t mean that they can’t live a positive life.

There are many ways to help foster a positive attitude including using meditation, learning to be grateful, learning stress reduction techniques, etc.

The benefits of living life with a positive attitude has many benefits not only for your mental well-being but also for your physical health as well.

I hope you live your life with a positive attitude. May the sun always shine on you!

Chris Kustanbauter 7/2/2023