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Seeing The Glass Half Full Gives You Healthier, Longer Life
By Christina | August 11, 2009
A new study just came out that showed that optimistic people are not only happier, but healthier as well. Participants in the research study that fell in the highest category of optimism lowered their chances of developing heart disease by 9%. Even more astounding, they lowered their chance of dying of any cause by 14%.
For the pessimists out there that think this study is a bunch of hogwash, think about the toxic effect negativity has on your body. High blood pressure, heart attacks, anxiety disorders are just some conditions that are related to stress. Thinking like a debbie downer is a stress inducing state.
The study does not scientifically know the reason why optimists are healthier, but one theory is that optimistic people probably exercise more and eat a nutritious diet. The thought behind this is simple. When you exercise, you release endorphins. Endorphins are a natural high. Think about the way you feel before you vigorously exercise as compared to how you feel after you exercise. No matter what mood you were in when you started, you never leave exercising feeling worse after than before.
Eating well is based on a similar principle. Binge eating is emotional eating. If you are depressed or stressed out, the tendency is not to reach for a serving of broccoli. Comfort food connotates the idea that you are using food to feel better about something. The only thing comforting about comfort food is that you need to wear comfortable clothes after overindulging in it. If you are an optimistic person, chances are you will not need to emotionally eat because you are emotionally out-of-whack.
Happiness is a choice. Taking care of your body is a choice. Seeing the glass as always half full or half empty is a choice. Who would not choose to be optimistic if you can live longer, healthier, and happier? I didn’t need research to tell me how I would choose to live.
Topics: Fitness Tips |
