Portrait photo Sandra Nuspl
Sandra Nuspl, MBA | Photo credit: Sabine Starmayr
For a better mood in society.
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Sport & Health

"I'm happy when it rains"

Positive thoughts, optimism

- or why positive thoughts make our lives easier

 

"I'm happy when it rains, because if I'm not happy, it rains." This proverb by Karl Valentin reminds us that our attitude is often more important than external circumstances. We have no control over the weather, but we can change our perspective on it - and this is the key to a more fulfilling life.

Thoughts influence our emotional experience - positive or negative judgements can evoke feelings such as joy, anger or calmness. The brain reacts plastically, similar to a muscle: what we often think, practise or repeat is consolidated - we become accustomed to this way of thinking.

So if we frequently complain or expect negative things, it's like daily training for the "everything is stupid muscle" - we get better and better at seeing the bad and increasingly neglect the good because we keep activating those networks in the brain that are responsible for stress- or frustration-related reactions.

A bit of complaining in the sense of "mental hygiene" is part of it, but too much of it blinds us to the small joys of life, such as the smell of rain on tarmac or the laughter of a child in a puddle.

However, if we consciously focus on the good, we strengthen neuronal connections that make us more resistant to stress in the long term and allow us to overcome challenges more easily. Increased awareness of positive events can also promote the release of dopamine - a "happiness hormone" that motivates us and gives us a sense of well-being.

So if we see the rain not as "wet and annoying", but as an opportunity for wellies adventures or couch afternoons, we strengthen ourselves.

In other words: if you see sunshine in the rain, you create an inner umbrella.

Imagine if we all had one "rain-is-beautiful" moment a day. Positive thoughts can be contagious! When we look for the good in others, we promote compassion, cohesion and appreciation. It's like a chain reaction for friendlier interaction.

Conclusion: celebrate rainy days instead of dreading them

Our brain loves optimism. By rejoicing in the rain instead of cursing it, we make ourselves (and perhaps others) a little bit happier. Because: rain is still rain - but how we see it is entirely up to us.

And here's a little tip for dealing with negative thoughts:

Say "stop" - out loud if possible - as soon as negative thoughts start to sprout or your negative thoughts keep circling. Imagine a large stop sign or another sign that signals "stop" to you. Repeat the "stop" several times if necessary. You can also tap your thigh or the edge of your hand with one hand. Clapping is also an option.

Make sure you breathe in and out calmly and maintain an upright posture. You may also want to visualise your thoughts bursting like soap bubbles as you breathe out, dissolving into thin air, floating away...

Then focus on something good, something positive, something that is good for you.

And: be patient with yourself, stopping your thoughts takes some practice.

It's nice to see so many positive things:
nuspl-sandra
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