• Studies show there is power to positive thinking.happy girl isolated image by Pavel Losevsky from Fotolia.com
  
  Positive thinking is an optimistic way of responding to situations which arise in your life. Are you upbeat or pessimistic? Studies show the health benefits of positive thinking, including, according to the Mayo Clinic, longer life, less stress and even a higher resistance to the common cold. So whether you see the glass as half-full or half-empty, try these simple techniques to watch the water level of that glass begin to rise, and with it, your quality of life.
  
  

Self-Awareness

• The first step to positive thinking is self-awareness. Try to pause several times throughout the day and ask yourself if you are seeing things in a positive or negative light. Thinking positively doesn't have to mean avoiding the stressful decisions each day, it just means you encourage yourself to tackle them appropriately and positively.
  
  

Sense of Humor

• Laughter is the best medicine, and in this case, it could be the best prevention. When confronted with a stressful or negative situation, allow yourself to find some humor in it. This will put your body and mind at ease, and give you the positive attitude you need to make a good decision.
  
  

Surround Yourself With Positivity

• Positivity spawns positivity. Surround yourself with other positive people who are willing to help you and support you. Your best decisions are made when you're thinking clearly and are willing to reach a positive outcome. Negative people believe they have no power over what happens in their lives.
  
  

Practice, Practice, Practice

• Thinking positively is a skill. Not everyone is born naturally optimistic. If you find yourself wanting to think more positively, give yourself time. Practice spinning a negative situation into a positive one by focusing on what good could come of it.