bright spot– an event or a period of time that is more pleasant when everything else is unpleasant.

Definition from the Longman Dictionary:

Every Friday we do a little thing in our private FaceBook group called ‘Bright Spot Friday’.

Why?

We tend to dwell on the negative and little inconveniences in our lives which can become a “bad” habit. Practicing gratitude can improve physical and psychological health. Yes, sometimes it’s hard to find a bright spot. But we find that it has a snowball effect. Once you find on bright spot it’s easier to find another and then another. According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking has many benefits including:

• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress
• Greater resistance to the common cold
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

How?

We ask our members to share things that have gone well for them that week. It could be a PR in the gym, a job promotion, time spent with a friend, anything that they are grateful for or proud of.

Practice positive thinking!

Think back on your week. What went well? Unless you’re a natural optimist, this may not be easy at first. But with practice, eventually it will become easier and easier to identify the bright spots in your day. Soon those will become your primary focus and you will reap all the benefits of positive thinking!