Happiness-The Best Medicine
A cheerful outlook has positive health impacts: research links optimism with reduce stress, blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. In a long-term study of heart disease patients, the death rate was twice as high among those feeling pessimistic about their recovery compared to optimists. Another report links positive emotions with increased resistance to colds and flu.
A Happiness How-To
the secret to happiness rests in part within you. To boost happiness, reflect on the good in your life and keep mistakes and challenges in perspective. Choose friends whose values and standard of living match yours. Then stop comparing yourself to people with more money and possessions; research shows that they actually are not happier and that striving to be like them will increase your dissatisfaction. Instead, focus on appreciating what you have and what you realistically can achieve. Over time, you will realize you’ll own power to affect positive change in your life.
More Ways To Boost Your Outlook
- Expressed gratitude. Each week, write down five things for which you are grateful. Read you a list daily.
- Strike a balance. Maintain balance between work and home life.
- Be social. So round yourself with family and friends. Join a new club or sign up for a sports league.
- Help others. Volunteer or donate to a cause that inspires you. Perform random acts of kindness.
- Find purpose. Spending your time on compelling and enjoyable work - paid or not - gives you a stronger sense of satisfaction.
(Credit given to HillHealth Magazine)
September 24 2008 03:21 pm | Health