It's likely our species survived because of our knack for detecting danger. But our worry-filled thoughts can present dangers of their own: Thinking negatively can drag down our moods, our actions and even our health.

Experts say it's worthwhileand possibleto learn how to think more positively.

Consider what researchers found about the benefits of staying positive:

Trying to be optimistic doesn't mean ignoring the uglier sides of life. It just means focusing on the positive as much as possible-and it gets easier with practice.

If you want to pump up your optimism, you might:

Noticing and appreciating the positives in our lives offers a great mood boost.

To increase your gratefulness, you can:

If you want to feel positive, it pays to decrease the downers in your life. With practice, you can resist worrisome thoughts and perhaps even transform your internal critic into more of a cheering squad.

Reviewed by Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, a University of California, Riverside professor and author ofThe How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want(Penguin Press).

These proven tools can help you feel stronger and more hopeful. Check out each page for specific, easy-to-follow tips.

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Stay Positive | Mental Health America