According to the Mayo Clinic, researchers continue to explore the benefits of positive thinking. Some of these benefits are reputed to be: Lower stress levels, increased life span, greater resistance to the common cold, better coping skills during hardships and better physical and psychological well-being.

So here are 7 tips to use positive thinking to incorporate positive thinking in your life today!

1) Use Affirmations Affirmations are positive declarations we make that are in the present tense and in the affirmative. For instance, "I am so happy and grateful now that I have total financial freedom" as opposed to "This year I am going to get out of debt". See the difference? Affirmations are powerful because they trick the mind into believing that you have already achieved the goal and that you are very capable of achieving your goal. When repeated, according to the law of attraction, you subconsciously create the circumstances to help you achieve your goal. You will then attract people and opportunities that can help you get from where you are to where you truly believe you can be.

2) Develop an attitude of gratitude In every situation, there is always something to be thankful for. By appreciating the good you have in your life now, you open up yourself to even greater gifts to come. Dating back to several years ago, Oprah suggested that we keep a gratitude journal by recording at least 3 things you are grateful for every night. Today, we hear the same principle in movies like 'The Secret' as well as in books and articles on the subject. Recording the things you are grateful for each night forces you to look for the good in situations during the day. This opens your eyes to realize that your life may be full of too many blessings to count.

3) Set your intention to think positive Each morning, as you wake up, set your intention to have a positive day no matter what. Set your intention to keep your words, thoughts and deeds positive. One of my favorite ways to answer the question 'How are you?' is "Great!" This helps to demonstrate my positive attitude, which is contagious and for the most part, cultivate positive outcomes with the people I come in contact with. So trips to the bank, post office or just interactions with colleagues go smoother.

4) Pay attention to your thoughts If you tend to see the glass half empty, you may be a pessimist or habitual negative thinker. In order to cultivate an attitude of positive thinking all the time, pay attention to your thoughts. When a negative thought enters your mind, replace it with a positive one right away. Imagine that it is a weed in the rich soil of your mind that must be removed immediately. This will take practice but it can be done.

5) Look for the good in every situation, person or circumstance This can be a fun exercise. It teaches you that no matter what happens, thing could always be worse, so be thankful. A few examples are:
Situation - car problems; Good - at least you have a car
Situation - long work commute; Good - at least you can catch up on your positive reading material on the way (if you use public transportation) or listen to positive CD's in the car

6) Read Positive Material Everyday Very important! One of my favorite quotes by Zig Ziglar to illustrate this point is, "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily." Feed your mind folks, just like a car needs fuel to drive. Read motivational articles online, read a daily devotional, read biographies of inspirational people, read self-help books, read positive quotes. The possibilities here are endless.

7) Remember that like attracts like A quote from "The Secret" says, "If you think in positive terms, you will achieve positive results. If you think in negative terms, you will achieve negative results." The movie based on the Law of Attraction states that like attracts like. So if you practice positive thinking, you will attract positive people, outcomes and results.

Stephanie Treasure is the webmistress and inspirational evangelist of Inspirational Daily. Daily shower of inspirational quotes, poems and stories for the mind body and soul. Click here http://www.inspirational-daily.com/inspirational-pack.html to sign up for FREE Inspirational Pack with Ebook, report, worksheet and wallpaper downloads.