HealthyLife Articles

Tag: attitude

How To Teach Children Gratitude

FAMILY LIFE

Children may often want every new toy and thing they see. But you can help teach them gratitude with these tips:

1.Make getting things a surprise.This helps kids see something as a gift, not an entitlement. For instance, “surprise” them with a trip to the park or their favorite dessert on special occasions.

2.Be careful with choices.Allowing children to choose something big, such as a vacation destination, will make them think they can get whatever they want. Instead, the adults can choose the vacation plans and present it as a surprise.

3.Talk about what made them happy each day.This teaches kids to be thankful for good things. It can be as simple as playing at recess, seeing a friend or enjoying what they ate for lunch.

4.Serve others as a family.Community charity programs such as working at a food bank are a great way for kids to see how much they have. Also, do smaller things like bring meals to neighbors who are going through a hard time.

5.Show them how to be positive.Being demanding, whiny or jealous quickly turns into being ungrateful for what they have. You can point out positives in nearly any situation to teach them how to find it themselves. “It’s really hot today, but I’m so glad we have cold water to drink” is a great example.

6.Insist on saying “please” and “thank you.”Give them positive reinforcement every time they use these words. This helps to teach them the importance of showing gratitude and respect for other people.

7.Give them chores to do.Yes, kids are busy, but simple things like putting away their clothes, helping with dishes and picking up their toys are valuable lessons. Chores teach kids that it takes work to keep up a household and that they should contribute. Even five to 10 minutes of chores a day is helpful.

8.Consider gifts of “experiences” instead of “things.”Not sure what to get them because they already have so much? How about tickets to a movie or show? Or a trip to a water park for a day? Chances are, they will remember those fun experiences far longer than any toy or gadget.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
The Power Of Positive Thinking

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Many of us have heard – or given – advice about “looking on the bright side.” Or, you may have heard someone say, “the glass is half full, not half empty.”

These are ways of explaining optimism. An optimistic person is someone who expects good things to happen in their future. But does optimism really help us? Actually, it might.

Some medical research has found that a positive attitude can benefit a person’s health, in part by lowering stress. Some promising results suggest:

* People who are optimistic may have a lower risk of serious heart problems

* Optimism can improve quality of life, including emotional and social well-being, in people who have cancer

* Older adults who were optimistic had fewer health problems

* Being optimistic may help reduce the effects of stress

Of course, more research needs to be done in this area. Optimism is not a cure-all for any disease or condition. But, it’s one healthy way to help people cope with the stress of daily life without any known side effects.

Steps to being more optimistic

Optimism and happiness are not the same thing. To be optimistic, you don’t have to be happy all the time. And being optimistic doesn’t mean you ignore stress or pretend that bad things don’t happen.

Becoming more optimistic isn’t as simple as “just doing it.” It takes time and practice. It may be something you have to keep telling yourself to do every day. Here are some ways to “train your brain” to be more optimistic:

* Pick one good thing. A bad day can make you feel like the whole day was a waste. But instead, make an effort to pick one good thing that happened that day, and reflect on it.

* Avoid things that make you feel bad. If the morning news is too negative, turn it off. Instead, listen to a podcast with a positive message or upbeat music.

* Think about things you can control – and forget about things you can’t. Being stuck in traffic is something you cannot control. But, you can choose to take deep breaths, meditate or relax in your car rather than get angry about the traffic.

If you or a loved one feels stressed all the time or hopeless, talk to a doctor. Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Sources: Psychophysiology; Social Psychological and Personality Science

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Think Positive

Stress Management

Retrain your brain to wipe out negative thoughts.

If negative thoughts keep running through your head, it may be time to put on a pair of rose-colored glasses. Looking at life’s challenges in a more positive way can improve your physical well-being and even increase your life span! People who see the glass as half full, have lower rates of depression, stronger immune systems, a reduced risk of heart disease, and better coping skills during hard times.

Retrain your brain.

* When a negative emotion pops into your head, put a positive spin on it.

* Quit trying to rationalize negative thoughts.

* If you can’t control it, don’t worry about it.

* Surround yourself with positive people.

* Find things to laugh about, especially during difficult times.

* Create lists of accomplishments, favorite memories, things to be thankful for, and future possibilities.

* Quit blaming yourself for every bad thing that happens.

* Take positive steps to improve a negative situation.

* Don’t let one minor problem in the morning ruin your entire day.

* Accept that life is not all black and white.

* Take care of yourself: Exercise, eat healthy, and get enough sleep.

* Cut yourself some slack.

* Get lost in a hobby that you enjoy.

Rule your emotions.

Don’t let your emotions rule you. Once you start to recognize situations that put you in that negative cycle, create pointless worry, or break down your confidence, you can take control with active thinking. If you tend to be a negative thinker, keep practicing. Like any other habit, changing your thought process will take time.

Action Step

Make a list of areas in your life that keep you dwelling in negative energy; then write out a few positive statements for each. Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Think Positive!

Mental Health Care

Being a positive thinker motivates you to solve problems instead of dwelling on them.

Research shows that people who are optimistic tend to be happier, healthier, and cope better in tough times.

* Practice positive thoughts every day. You become what you think.

* Say positive self-statements in the mirror.

* Look for a silver lining in clouds and setbacks.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
3 Ways To Be A Positive Force At Work

WORK LIFE

*Give – or share – the credit.If you are recognized for a job well done, accept it graciously, but don’t forget about those who may have helped. If a co-worker or team had a hand in your achievement, be sure to mention them.

*Always use “please” and “thank you.”We often forget these simple words when we’re busy and trying to get through a long to-do list. But they can have a big impact on how others respond to you. A (genuine) smile also helps.

*Don’t take feedback personally.As hard as it may be, try to accept constructive criticism gracefully. Remember it’s not a personal attack, and consider the other person’s point of view before responding or getting upset.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be A Good Sport

BE FIT

Whether you’ve never had a sports injury and you’re trying to keep it that way or you’ve had an injury and don’t want another, the following tips from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases can help:

* Avoid bending knees past 90 degrees when doing half knee bends.

* Avoid twisting knees by keeping feet as flat as possible during stretches.

* When jumping, land with your knees bent.

* Do warm-up exercises not just before vigorous activities like running, but also before less vigorous ones such as golf.

* Don’t overdo.

* Do warm-up stretches before activity. Stretch the Achilles tendon, hamstring, and quadriceps areas and hold the positions. Don’t bounce.

* Cool down following vigorous sports. For example, after a race, walk or walk/jog for 5 minutes so your pulse comes down gradually.

* Wear properly fitting shoes that provide shock absorption and stability.

* Use the softest exercise surface available, and avoid running on hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Run on flat surfaces. Running uphill may increase the stress on the Achilles tendon and the leg itself.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How To Be A Team Player At Work

WORK LIFE

You’re bound to run into many different personality types at the workplace. And when you’re working as a team, it can be challenging to adjust to different work styles.

The American Management Association says teamwork leads to better problem solving and productivity. But it’s not as simple as just saying you’re part of a team. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best possible outcome with your group:

*Use your strengths.People have different talents and skills that make them who they are. Offer to use your unique strengths to help get things done. Don’t wait to be asked; volunteer to help when you can.

*Don’t place blame.When things don’t go well, it’s usually not helpful to blame someone else. Instead, look at the problem and work together to find ways to solve it.

*Listen without talking.When others have ideas or opinions, listen to their side before jumping in with your thoughts. Listen with the goal of understanding their point, not adding your own.

*Be aware of different work styles.You may be on a team with someone who does things differently than you. Instead of trying to correct them, see if you can learn something from their way of doing things.

*Be dependable.The best team players are those who get things done on time. Missing deadlines could cause trouble for others on your team or jeopardize your project.

*Communicate.If you’re running into problems or have too much on your plate, tell your team about it. Someone else may be able to help so you can keep the project running smoothly. People may have no idea you’re struggling – unless you speak up and tell them.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026