Celebrating national positive thinking day

The British Polio Fellowship
Sep 13
2 min read

Saturday 13 September is National Positive Thinking Day, a yearly reminder to shift our mindset toward optimism and gratitude. It’s a day to celebrate the power of positive thinking and to practice a few techniques that can help lift your spirits.

We all face daily challenges, and sometimes small setbacks can snowball into big worries. A missed bus, a broken mug, or a lost charger can feel bigger than they are. But Positive Thinking Day reminds us that just as negativity builds up, so can positivity. Why not flip the narrative? A smashed glass? More cupboard space! Lost your charger? Maybe it's time for a screen break.

Isolation, uncertainty, and anxiety take a toll on our mental wellbeing. But Positive Thinking Day is a gentle nudge to embrace hope, not just emotionally, but physically too.

Here are some techniques to boost positivity:

Reframing thoughts: Reframing is a technique used in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). As psychologist Regine Galanti, Ph.D., explains: not every thought we have is true. Think of your thoughts like sunglasses—you can choose to view the world through a different lens. Reframing helps you ask, "How else can I look at this?"
Awareness of automatic reactions: Noticing your gut reactions is the first step to changing them. When something bothers you, pause and ask yourself: "How would I help a friend through this?" Bringing that compassion to your own experience can start to shift your mindset from negative to positive.
Visualisation: A more meditative technique, visualisation involves imagining your stress or fear as something tangible—like dirt on a window. Picture it washing away. This practice helps you mentally clear space for peace, gratitude, and clarity.

Look forward with optimism

It’s easy to feel discouraged given recent global events. But there are real reasons for hope: reconnect with loved ones and rediscover joy in simple things, a coffee with friends, a hug, a walk in the sun.

British Polio Fellowship’s commitment to connection

At the British Polio Fellowship (BPF), connection is at the heart of what we do. Through our Branches, we help bring polio survivors together. Whether it's support, friendship, or simply sharing experiences, we’re here to make sure you’re never alone. We aim to ensure everyone has access to the community, because true positivity often starts with meaningful connection.

How to mark Positive Thinking Day

So, how do you celebrate? Start small. Try a few of these ideas: