Maintaining a positive attitude towards an illness can greatly improve the outcome, alleviate our disease’s symptoms, and even serve as a vital learning experience. For example, when an illness is severe, we may come to feel that the world is falling apart at our feet. Quite often, our first reaction is, “Why me?
We may feel very vulnerable and weak in the face of the news, asking questions we didn’t before, and looking for hope in the deepest places. These emotional states can deplete our energy reserves, lower our self-esteem or interfere with our sleep.
Keeping a positive attitude is beneficial in all aspects of life. In the event that we are faced with a severe illness, it is something that becomes of paramount importance.
The truth is that behind every illness, there is suffering, a condition that requires us to work hard to manage emotions. When choosing an appropriate coping strategy, these are times that can make the difference between healing or complication of the illness itself and significantly influencing the quality of life.
Overall, staying upbeat offers countless physical, cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. For example, a relaxed environment helps to improve the prognosis of any disease.
Patients who do not accept a diagnosis tend to suffer much more in the long term. Quite simply because in life, it is essential to find emotional harmony. Still not sure that a positive attitude can be helpful when dealing with a health condition? Then keep reading! Below we list 5 benefits of thinking positively during an illness.
1 We Grow Stronger
The problems of those who think positively and negatively are generally very similar. However, what facilitates positive thinking is the solution to these problems, directing the person towards the process of finding solutions. An orientation that, at the same time, makes them stronger and more resistant to difficulties.
2. We Focus On Our Goals
It is advisable to incorporate tasks into the routine that help us to remain optimistic. Writing a diary, creating a blog, filling our space with vitality by listening to music, or getting in touch with people who have experienced a similar situation allows us not to limit the range of emotions to negative valence and also to focus on achieving on set goals.
3. We Accept and Move Forward
Acceptance is the starting point for us. Only then can we begin to put in place the means to improve ourselves. Otherwise, what’s the point of being sent exercises or medication if we don’t understand that there is a problem that needs to be addressed?
On the other hand, acceptance has nothing to do with the catastrophism that some people practice. It’s about accepting what exists, not anticipating adverse events that don’t necessarily have to happen.
4. We Acknowledge What Is Really Important
Although it seems contradictory, the presence of a disease is an excellent opportunity to separate what is essential from what is not. Absorbed and deceived by a frenetic, often superficial rhythm, the disease can act as a sieve.
5. Our Life Values Change
Values are supported by principles and priorities that help us make decisions. In this sense, traumatic events, personal crises, or illnesses can cause us to re-examine our lives.
According to a study carried out by the University of Almería (Spain), in 2016, the objective was to collect the possible change of personal values in the face of a serious illness diagnosis. The study found that 87% of patients showed a shift in the priority of their values, giving greater importance to personal relationships, family, pleasure, and well-being. As well, they showed higher levels of assertiveness, empathy, and dedication.
You now know the benefits of having a positive attitude and positive thoughts towards an illness. Therefore, even though we know that it can sometimes be a challenge, we encourage you to keep your head high and keep moving forward, trying to see the brighter side of life, with faith that your situation can improve. Have you suffered from a health problem recently? How have you dealt with it? Let us know in the comments below.
