Tips to Develop a Positive Mental Attitude for People Aged 35+

Blogs08 Mar 2024

Life after 35 can be a transformative period, filled with responsibilities and experiences that shape our perspectives and define the rest of our lives. It can become difficult to balance work and family during this time, and it can be too easy to fall under the spell of pessimism and regret. This is where a positive mental mindset can be an invaluable tool not only for your mental health but also your physical health. In this guide, we will explore what makes a positive mindset, the benefits of having a positive attitude towards life and how can you adopt this way of thinking.

What is a Positive Mindset and Attitude? A Definition

The combination of optimism and proactiveness in the face of hardship makes a positive mindset. Imagine a scenario where you are trying all you can, but things are not going your way. Here, you have two choices. One is to give in to regret and just sulk about your situation. Another is to take this as a challenge, have a positive attitude, be grateful for all you have and keep trying harder. A positive attitude is about still holding a hope-filled perspective with a focus on gratitude and solutions. Essentially, a positive mindset is seeing a glass half full, and not half empty.

Characteristics and Traits of a Positive Mindset

There are many characteristics of a positive and happy person. Some of the main ones are:

Optimism:

In the face of a challenge a person with a positive mindset remains hopeful. They do not give in to feelings like self-pity, under confidence and fear. They hope and strive for better.

Social:

Research has found that people who regularly engage in social activities tend to be happy and have a positive outlook towards life.

Healthy:

Being healthy through exercise and having a balanced diet has been proven to have a genuine impact on mental health and a healthy person is more susceptible to being positive.

Grateful:

A person who remembers to feel grateful every day, who finds joy in the smallest of things and who practises gratitude tends to have a positive and gracious approach to life.

Accepting:

As we go through life, it can be easy to feel regretful and dwell on many things. However, a person with a positive attitude will be willing to accept mistakes and painful situations and focus on moving on or finding a solution.

Flexibility:

Positive people are often the ones who are open to new ideas, considerate of others and creative, which means they are flexible and accommodating too. You should try to imbibe the above traits as much as possible as these will help you develop a positive mindset.

Why is a Positive Attitude Considered the Key to Success?

There is a huge connection between a positive attitude or happiness and the key to success. According to Harvard Business Review, research has shown that operating from a positive outlook enhances creativity and productivity immensely. A positive attitude involves a flexible, open and creative mind that is willing to look at challenges with a solution-oriented lens. This can help positive people achieve success and overcome their challenges.

The Outcomes of a Positive Attitude

When you make your outlook positive, its benefits reach beyond your professional life. It has been found that people with positive attitudes are better at handling stress, have improved mental well-being and are satisfied with their lives in general. Having a positive attitude can cement better and healthier coping mechanisms which can lead to mental strength, intelligence and a better life.

Benefits of a Positive Mindset for Health

While having a positive attitude will help your life, it will also greatly impact your health too. Here are all the benefits of having a positive approach:

• Lower stress levels may contribute to lower blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular conditions.
• Being positive and happy releases endorphins, a natural painkilling hormone, which can increase one’s pain tolerance.
• Having lower levels of stress can help one sleep better and get much-needed rest
• The psychological benefits of having a positive approach mean that in times of illness or injury, people can speed up their recovery through optimism
• With such an attitude you can fight mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and more
• This approach also keeps the brain healthy and cognitive.
• Optimistic individuals often exhibit stronger immune responses, offering better protection against infections and illnesses
• Positivity is linked to an increased lifespan and a healthy lifestyle.

How to develop a positive attitude in life?

Now that you know the benefits of having a positive approach towards life, you must be wondering ‘How to develop a positive attitude in life?’ We understand that not everyone has such an outlook towards life and it can take some effort to change your mindset, especially after 35 as your mindset comes naturally to you. However, changing your mindset is like training your mind, which is similar to how you train your body: through consistent exercise. So here are a few tips on how to have a positive mindset.

• Journal every day. Ensure to make a list of 3-5 things you are grateful for each day. As you do this exercise, you will train your mind to look out for happy and helpful things daily, which will lead to optimism and acceptance.
• Mediate for 15-30 minutes daily to calm your mind, improve your concentration, and fight mental health issues. A focused mind will help you worry and dwell less and increase your problem-solving abilities.
• Practise smiling more! Yes, you read that right. According to a study, simply smiling more frequently can reduce blood pressure and calm your heart in worrying situations.
• Speak a few positive affirmations out loud daily.
• Assess your self-talk, that inner voice of yours and check whether it is positive or negative. Make sure to check yourself regularly and alter the words in your mind when you begin to feel negative again.
• Add movement to your day. Make sure to regularly exercise each day. This will increase your body’s strength and keep you feeling active and good.
• Notice how you speak to others. Remember to compliment and speak supportively to friends and family.
• Take some time out to record your meaningful memories on a daily or weekly basis to increase your gratitude.
• Watch humorous content or speak with fellow positive people to feel better and improve your mindset.
• In short, having a positive outlook can be life-changing in all spheres including personal and professional. And remember, that it is never too late even if you are well past your 30s! You can always train your mind to change its approach with consistent practice. Ensure that you study your self-talk and make changes when it sounds negative. Add meaningful habits to your routine and surround yourself with positive things and people to increase your chance at a more satisfied persona and life!