Thinking Yourself Forward

CNN, by Sara Cheshire:

(CNN) — There wasn’t anything that could bring singer Pharrell Williams down in his hit song “Happy.” Turns out he was on to something.

Being happy and optimistic can prolong your life, help you manage stress, lower your risk of death from cardiovascular disease and even help protect you from the common cold, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Not bad at all, especially as thinking positively doesn’t cost you a thing.

There’s no better time to try it out than on Positive Thinking Day, which is celebrated each September 13. Here are five expert tips to help you think yourself well:

Be aware of your automatic reactions

Catch and reframe your thoughts

Don’t believe everything your mind tells you

Let go of fear

Find your mood changers