Happy is Healthy! 5 ways a positive attitude impacts your health

People often associate positive thinking with mental health, and while it’s true an optimistic attitude will positively impact your state of mind, it will also prove beneficial to your body’s health.

I’ve talked before about the importance of choosing happiness, offered tips to bring positivity into your everyday life, and shared the benefits of surrounding yourself with inspiration. In this post, I’ll focus on 5 ways a positive attitude will impact your physical health.

Positive Thinking Protects Your Heart

Results of a study by the American Heart Association revealed those who already have heart disease and are optimistic have up to a 58% better chance of living at least another five years. Another study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that even those at higher risk of cardiovascular disease were 13% less likely to experience heart disease themselves if they maintained a positive outlook. One factor seems to be that people with positive attitudes are more likely to take better care of themselves and exercise more frequently.

Positive Thinking Improves Your Nerve Function

Your Vagus nerve is the main nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation. When you’re engaged in positive thought, you are exercising the Vagus nerve as well as the nerves it connects to. This stimulates the growth of nerve connections, which can help you heal faster if injured.

Positive Thinking Increases Your Pain Tolerance

According to a study published in the Clinical Journal of Pain, those who have a more positive outlook on life experience an increased pain tolerance. Researchers aren’t completely sure why positive thinkers can handle pain more efficiently. However, when you have a more positive outlook on life, you also release endorphins, which can temporarily reduce pain.

Positive Thinking Boosts Your Immunity

The Mayo Clinic says that laughter reduces stress and increases immune cells. Laughter can also improve oxygen absorption as well as function of blood vessels and blood flow, enhancing resistance to disease and illness.

Positive Thinking Helps You Live Longer

A study conducted at the University of London determined that elderly people who practiced positive thinking lived longer than those who viewed everything in a negative light. This is thought to be because people with a positive outlook on life are also more likely to eat better, exercise and not engage in unhealthy habits.

A Positive Bonus

As a bonus, being positive is also good for your social health. People want to be around happy people and will see you as a great person to interact with. You’re also more likely to be able to accomplish more in your life since having a positive mindset also leads to increased levels of happiness.

All in all, there are some amazing health benefits that come with a positive mindset. Not only will you have the advantage of better immunity and pain tolerance, but you’ll also have better nerve function, less heart disease and the ability to live life, not only longer, but also healthier and happier.

Reminder to Keep a Positive Attitude

In the hope that a reminder will help create a positive attitude (and creating pretty printables gives me a positive attitude!), I’ve created a pretty new printable. I hope it will give you a lift!

Download your ‘Always Be Flowers’ printable by clicking the button below

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