Positive and Happy People...The power of positivity and the effect it can have on one's health

Having the ability to stay positive is not something that comes naturally to everyone.

Throughout each of our lives, we will experience struggles and hardships. During these difficult times, it may and often times is hard to stay positive. We all know people who have gone through difficult times and their positivity through it all is captivating. Data has shown that a persons outlook can be big factor in their ongoing mental and physical health.

Having a positive outlook has been linked to healthier outcomes. Positivity has been shown to aid for example in....

1. reducing stress

2. decreasing depression

3. decreasing blood pressure and heart disease

4. better management of pain

5. more positive results in disease management

So much between the correlation of positive thinking and increased or better health outcomes is still to be identified. What is know is we find those who are more positive often have healthier lifestyle practices such as engaging in exercise and eating healthier diets. Negative thinking or depression can often become a barrier to healthier lifestyle changes and one may experience a lack of motivation.

Some of the times are going to be easier than others to find the joy. Sometimes you feel like so many things are stacked against you that all you can do is focus on the struggle. As I write this, I know that not everyone goes through the same experiences. Not only do some go through more trying times than others but also everyone has different resources available to them. Unfortunately, not everything in life is fair.

Sometimes when things feel so tough it is important to be able to find the ability to smile or laugh. That feeling of throwing up your hands and laughing because you feel like you have been handed some rotten cards and your luck could not get any worse. Sometime all you can do is laugh.

There are times to laugh and there are times to cry. Sometimes the best remedy is to just let the emotions come out. After getting rid of those feelings you can then refocus and try to find your inner peace.

I remember when I was a young Mom and my days were long. There were days that I was mentally and physically exhausted. Sometimes my pick me up and refocus was to go into my children's room at the end of the day and watch them sleep for a minute. Their innocence and peaceful sleep was sometimes all I needed to find joy or a pick me up in my day. It was that small recharge I needed to stay focused.

Find something to help bring you joy and peace.

There are some things that you can do to help such as meditation and mindfulness techniques. There are some great apps that can help...

• Mindfulness Coach©

• Calm©

• Insight Timer©

• Smiling Mind©

• Healthy Minds Program©

Often it may help to talk to a Professional Therapist.

If one continues to struggle to find an inner peace sometimes a little help is needed. Therapists such as Psychologists and Social Workers are trained to help and can teach in depth mindfulness techniques which include breathing exercises or meditation exercise. Learning some of these techniques to later help find your inner joy and peace is essential.

Sometimes situations arise that you may need some pharmacologic help. Don't be afraid to talk to your Doctor about short term or long term medications that can help you through difficulty times. Your Doctor and Pharmacist are always there to help navigate through what medications are available.

https://www.mindful.org/happy-mindfulness-day-2/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/positive-psychology-harnessing-the-power-of-happiness-mindfulness-and-inner-strength

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950

**Please take note, my views are my own and are not associated or representative of my employer(s). This website and its associated platforms are for education purposes only and not medical advice.