I know that sometimes your depression or anxiety seems insurmountable, and no amount of action or good vibes can see you through it. And positive thinking is just a joke. I mean, what can happy thoughts do but annoy you when you’re easily annoyed? It’s not going to fix all your problems.

The end.

The Benefits of Positive Thinking

Except it’s not the end. Because positive thinking has proven physical and emotional health benefits. Surprised? Well, the human brain and soul are incredibly complex. There’s no telling how one manifests in the other. A few benefits, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic, include:

• Less depression
• Higher life span
• Improved psychological health
• Improved physical health
• Improved stress management skills

Basically, positive thinking is good for you in all ways that matter.

How to Be a Positive Thinker

So how do you change from a glass half empty to a glass half full person? That’s the trick. Start with small things:

• Find the silver lining in all situations.
• See the success in your failures.
• Be grateful for what you have.
• See the beauty around you.
• Make your own beauty if you have trouble finding it.
• Take nothing for granted.
• Be kind to yourself.
• Serve others.

Mostly, just focus on smiling, even if you don’t mean it. If you don’t feel the positive inside, put it on the outside and wait for it to soak through to your soul.

Choose Joy.

—A