A Positive Attitude Could Help You Live Longer

According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking may provide several benefits including a longer life span. They base this on lots of studies done regarding the effects of positive thinking and optimism as related to our health. While researchers are not sure why individuals who routinely take the glass half full approach to life experience measureable benefits, some think it could be that positive thinking helps us better handle stressful situations and we know that stress can have harmful effects on our bodies. 

In fact the Mayo Clinic reports positive thinkers may not only increase their life span but lower their risk for depression and level of distress, and even have a greater resistance to the common cold. Positive thinkers also typically enjoy better psychological and physical well-being as well as better cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a positive attitude during times of stress and hardships helps us to weather the storm easier. 

Experts recommend analyzing your behavior to determine if you are routinely a positive or negative thinker. Common habits of negative thinkers include: personalizing everything that happens as if it is because of something you did wrong; catastrophizing is another common trait of negativity in which you automatically think the worst; and polarizing, which is where you only see things as either good or bad. 

If you recognize yourself as a negative thinker and would like to turn your life around and live more on the sunny side, start by identifying things about yourself you would like to change. Think about positive ways to turn around negative thoughts, and make time to see the humor in everyday happenings. Finally adopt a healthy lifestyle and surround yourself with positive people. 

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MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in Peoria. 

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