Look on the bright side....its good for you!!
Your brain controls everything. From your heartbeat, to your breathing....
So, just like any other management system, you would expect it to work better if it were saturated in positivity. But you would be amazed at the
actual
health benefits that positive thinking can provide.
Life can be very frustrating. Especially for people like "us" here on ATS. It's hard to be intelligent, and understand what a decieving, vapid and
underhanded world we live in.
But hey, everything has it's positive side, right?
Now, I dont mean that you should go out and buy a copy of "
The Secret" or study the laws of attraction. And No, you dont have to wear tye-dye
and have a peace sign around your neck. Simply looking at the brighter side of situations can be very beneficial.
Being happy is a choice, not a state of being. We will get into some advice about thinking positively later, but first, the benefits:
People who are usually happy, enthusiastic and content are less likely to develop heart disease than those who tend not to be happy, according to a
major new study published today (Thursday 18 February). The authors believe that the study, published in the Europe's leading cardiology journal, the
European Heart Journal [1], is the first to show such an independent relationship between positive emotions and coronary heart disease.
"We have several possible explanations," said Dr Davidson. "First, those with positive affect may have longer periods of rest or relaxation
physiologically. Baroreflex and parasympathetic regulation may, therefore, by superior in these persons, compared to those with little positive
affect. Second, those with positive affect may recover more quickly from stressors, and may not spend as much time 're-living' them, which in turn
seems to cause physiological damage.
Source article
Well, that certainly makes sense. I know Ive had some horrible times in my life. It seems nearly impossible to just relax and "let go", and even
more difficult to sleep.
Without rest, our bodies get on a "hamster wheel" of stress. The nest thing you know, you are in a perpetual state of emotional distress. You need
down-time, and respite. I know so many people that live a life of pure agony, because they constantly worry. It's an easy trap to fall for.
But beyond just matters of the heart, what else can benefit.
The Mayo Clinic states that positive thinking is essential. Here, we find a great list of potential benefits:
■Increased life span
■Lower rates of depression
■Lower levels of distress
■Greater resistance to the common cold
■Better psychological and physical well-being
■Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
■Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
The Mayo Clinic Website= Source
So it can stregthen your immune system, help with coping, and psychological issues. It has been shown to help you eat better, and exercise more. Which
makes sense, I feel good after exercise. I feel good when I eat healthy. Being positive should be just as easy, it should be hard-wired into our
brains.
Im not saying that it's unhealthy to be "depressed". Because it's not. But I think that you would find that you are depressed less, if you
chose more positive routes of thought.
Im not ignoring chemical imbalance either. It's tough to get the Seratonin going if your brain is depleted. I know, because I was at one time, on an
anti-depressant. I eventually won that war with myself, but I understand not everyone can.
Well, that's easy to SAY, Inertia Zero. What about actually doing it?
Heres a few things that might help you. I decided about a year ago that I would lead a "BS Free" lifestyle. Like I mentioned earlier, being happy is
a choice. It is a lifestyle. Just like some people are great at sports, some at art, others are naturally positive thinkers. Im sure you know a
few.
So here you go, just some suggestions....
1. Be aware of your thoughts. If you find yourself thinking in a negative fashion, try to be aware, so you can focus on the positive side.
2. Quit worrying about the things you cant change.
3. Realize that almost
anything can be funny.
4. Understand that living a positive lifestyle does not in ANY way mean that you turn a blind eye to negativity. Some say ignorance is bliss. It's
NOT. Ignorance is stupid no matter what. Just try to understand that you cannot change everything, and try to find humor in things you cant change.
5. Go outside. Exercise. Play. Your body is designed to do so.
6. Avoid people that have a negative impact. That includes family members, friends and coworkers. You are not obligated by any right to be brought
down by anyone. If they cause you grief, tell them. If they continue, do not associate.
What is you take on this, ATS friends?
What are your lifestyles like?
Do you find it hard, or easy to live positively?
What helps you stay positive?
What are your suggestions?