Persuasive power of positive thinking

You've been up with the baby all night and now there's your whingeing toddler to contend with– you're tired and irritable. It's easy for negative thoughts to creep in, especially if you've had a series of bad nights or days, even weeks.

You have two choices here – continue on a self-destructive path, or flip it – and choose optimism instead.

Why? Positive thinking brings inner peace, success, improved relationships, better health, happiness and satisfaction. It also helps the daily grind move more smoothly, and makes life look bright and promising.

Optimism is contagious. People around you pick up on it and it effects them. Think about how hard it is to be unhappy with you're talking to someone who's smiling and laughing the whole time. It's almost physically impossible!

Positive thinking all comes down to your attitude and the way you choose to look at life. And this means more than just repeating a few mantras, or telling yourself that everything is going to be all right.

Here's 8 top tips to turn your thoughts into a happier and more positive outlook: 

• Always use only positive words while thinking and talking. Use words such as, 'I can', 'I am able', 'it is possible', 'it can be done', etc.

• If your baby does have a terrible day, week, or month, and you've neglected yourself and binged on takeaway and chocolate, don't dwell on it. Tomorrow is another day and you have the opportunity to do something about it.

• It's inevitable that negative thoughts will creep in but rather than ignoring them, try rationalising or putting them into perspective. For example, is it really likely that everyone thinks you look fat? No, truth is they're probably more worried about themselves or too distracted by your beautiful baby to notice!

• Before starting with any plan or action, visualise the benefits or the positive result. For example, if you're doing a walk-to-run 5km program, with the goal of completing a fun run, imagine yourself crossing the finish line with a big smile on your face!

• Keep your favourite inspirational quotes by your bedside, on the fridge, or start a pinterest board so that others can read them too.

• Cast off the 'energy vampires' – those negative people in your life that seem to suck the life out of you with their negativity. Associate yourself instead with people who think positively.

• Always sit and walk with your back straight. This is not only good for your posture, it will strengthen your confidence and inner strength.

• Walk, swim or do something to keep yourself physically active. This helps to develop a more positive attitude and releases those natural 'feel good' hormones.