A Positive Attitude and Your Health

In a recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine, researchers compared how often people with either POSITIVE or negative emotions contract a cold.  Their results indicated that those who are energetic, happy, and relaxed are less likely to catch colds, while those who are depressed, nervous, or angry are more likely to complain about symptoms....regardless if they have a cold or other illness.  In fact, people with these negative attributes were more likely to report symptoms of illness that exceeded what one would expect from measures used by researchers.

The researchers assessed the emotional style, demographic characteristics, levels of antibodies, hormone levels and health practices of all volunteers and then quarantined them for six days.  Researchers interviewed participants on several occasions prior to and on the first evening of quarantine.
                       

The findings....The researchers found that even after taking into account differences in pre-exposure antibody level, demographics, and other relevant factors, a POSITIVE attitude significantly increased a person's resistance to illness.  However, a negative attitude, or emotional style, predicted greater reporting of "unfounded" symptoms.  Further analysis revealed that a POSITIVE emotional style (or attitude) was associated with better health practices and lower levels of cortisol the stress-related hormones.

What does this mean or suggest?
Simply put....This study suggests that people who have POSITIVE emotions are less likely to get sick than others.

So - would you like to know the "secrets" of our ancestors and live a more balanced, healthy, joyful and POSITIVE life?

Good mental health by maintaining a POSITIVE attitude is an important component of an individuals overall health and well being.  It is just as important to maintain good mental health as it is to maintain good physical health.  Bernie Siegel, a surgeon, author and motivational speaker states, "what goes on in your head affects your body."

Don't misunderstand me.......we all experience disappointments in life.  However, how we interpret negative events will ultimately determine our outlook and our behavior.  When a person's "fight or flight" button is constantly turned on your immune system is gradually being worn down.  The result is poor health.

How can you live a long healthy life?
First....CHOOSE to focus on the POSITIVE in your life.  Take charge of your own ability to be happy!
                                             There is power in your attitude.
And, remember, your attitude is also contagious (whether POSITIVE or negative) to others as well as yourself.

                               If you are POSITIVE, good things are going to happen to you.
                                                         ACT POSITIVE
                                                                    THINK POSITIVE
                                                                       

Life will always go on regardless of our attitude, whether POSITIVE or negative.....but your POSITIVE attitude can make you go on a bit longer.

                                     LIFE IS GOOD!
                                                  BE HEALTHY and HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE