The Power of Positivity
Positivity is spread through common happiness and goodwill. The Mayo Clinic stated positivity increases both psychological and physical health.
Ironically enough, this blog was originally going to be pessimistic – that is, about pet peeves and things I do not enjoy. Instead, I want to take this in a more positive direction, and talk about things which make life fun.
For some in high school, their lives are not too peachy. This comes from a myriad of issues; however, it can be fixed by the simple benefits of positivity. The Mayo Clinic¹ determined positive thinking and optimism provide health benefits, including:
- Increased life span
- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of distress
- Greater resistance to illness
- Better psychological and physical well-being
- Better heart health and reduced risk of heart disease
- Better coping skills
Not only do you get to reap the benefits of being a better person, your psyche and your peers benefit as well. Your community benefits greatly, too.
Throughout the duration of my high school career, I have always been known as a pessimist. Constantly, I would complain about a peer, a class, a teacher, or basically anything under the sun. I was living in a “glass half-empty” world. My relationships, grades and life suffered greatly because of it. However, once I realized (through the help of therapy) I had a lot to be happy for, I saw a vast improvement in myself. Of course people still are skeptical when I express genuine praise for a person or thing, but it is legitimate.
On the bright side, my relationship with my friends, my significant other and even my family has improved so much since I started thinking positively. One of the primary causes for my sudden change of heart was the realization that everyone’s time is finite on Earth, and – with that in mind – everyone ought to have an enjoyable tenure. So, I have taken it upon myself to make people laugh through puns or other assorted nonsensical things to ensure even a brief moment of enjoyment. I encourage everyone to do the same because you never know when you can make someone’s day a little better.
¹“How to stop negative self-Talk.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education
and Research, 18 Feb. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950. Accessed 27 Sept. 2017.

Evan is a senior at Lindale High School and the business manager of the Eagle Eye staff. He is the president of the LHS Debate Team and has three state...
Emma Cook • Oct 20, 2017 at 1:17 pm
This makes me so happy
Emma Cook • Oct 18, 2017 at 9:45 am
HOLY MOLY!! This is so positive and up lifting. I could probably life a car with my teeth now. Thank you Mr.Dorf, you are my hero.