The Power of Positivity
Research shows that people who are more positive may be better protected against the inflammatory damage of stress. Hope and positivity help people make better health and life decisions and focus more on long-term goals. Studies also find that negative emotions can weaken the immune response. Additional studies have found that a positive attitude improves outcomes and life satisfaction across a spectrum of conditions.
Boost Your Bright Side
Although a positive personality is something we’re born with and not something we can inherently change, studies says there are steps you can take to improve your outlook and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.Â
1. Simply smile more – A study found that smiling, or even fake smiling, reduces heart rate and blood pressure during situations that give you stress.Â
2. Practice reframing – Instead of stressing about a traffic jam, appreciate the fact that you can afford a car and get to spend a few extra minutes meditating, working on slow and controlled breathing to help keep you relaxed, or enjoying the silence, accepting that there absolutely nothing you can do about the traffic.
3. Build resiliency – Resiliency is the ability to adapt to stress and/or negative situations and losses. Expert recommend these key ways to build yours:
- Maintain good relationships with family and friends
- Accept that change is a part of life
- Take action on problems rather than just hoping they disappear or waiting for them to resolve themselves.Â
Be sure to look on the bright side, it’s important to your health!
