CAN POSITIVE THINKING BOOST YOUR HEALTH?
Posted: August 30, 2019 | By: Rocio Ramos
Happiness and Health
The Dalai Lama once said, “Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.” As one of the most celebrated spiritual leaders, he knows a thing or two about happiness and health. And it does, in fact, FEEL better to have a positive outlook on life. Research has shown that optimistic individuals may have less health problems, suffer from less chronic illnesses, and exhibit healthier behaviors and coping skills. So, if positive thinking and an optimistic outlook on life help create a longer and healthier life, why can’t we just be happy?
Happiness doesn’t come so easy
Despite what some may think, happiness and joy aren’t emotions that are easy to come by; especially in our current society. How can we be happy when we’re constantly being pushed to want more and to be more? You may think you’re happy, but you’d be happier with a new car, exotic vacation, or better body. Right?
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be better and do better. The trick is finding what brings you true happiness. What do you find fulfilling and what do you find discouraging? A study done by psychology professors in the United Kingdom found that people were up to 35% less likely to die during the five-year study if they reported feeling happy, excited, and content on a typical day. Cultivating positive energy may in fact help boost your overall health.
How to turn up dial
One cannot simply choose to become a more positive, happier person; it’s just not that simple. It takes work. For many individuals, it’s a daily practice that allows them to cultivate happiness into their lives.
Dr. Judith T. Moskowitz, a professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, developed a set of eight skills that have been used by many researchers to help foster positive emotions.
The eight skills are:
- Recognize a positive event each day.
- Savor that event and log it in a journal or tell someone about it.
- Start a daily gratitude journal.
- List a personal strength and note how you used it.
- Set an attainable goal and note your progress.
- Report a relatively minor stress and list ways to reappraise the event positively.
- Recognize and practice small acts of kindness daily.
- Practice mindfulness, focusing on the here and now rather than the past or future.
These skills have been found to have positive effects on individuals suffering from chronic illnesses. They help encourage individuals to find good in each day and foster skills that encourage a happier life. This positive energy can be just what some individuals need to improve their lifestyle and health.
Positive Thinking Support
Certain natural products have also been found to support an uplifted mood. Hemp FX™ Uplift™ contains the all-natural benefits of phytocannabinoid rich broad-spectrum hemp oil and St. John’s Wort that have been found to have positive effects on one’s mood. Of course, you still want to make sure to find fulfillment in your life and time for gratitude. Remember that life has much more to offer!
You have the power to work on your happiness each day and live longer and healthier.
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