If you’ve never looked through the world with rose-colored glasses now may be the time to order a pair. Not only will a hearty dose of optimism cheer you, but a positive outlook can also dramatically improve your health. Everyone knows how easy it is to pick up a cold when “you’re resistance is low.” New studies no urge us to be as mindful of our moods and attitudes as we are of our physical health. Research from medical centers around the world conclude that hostility, cynicism, depression, and stress contribute significantly to the onset of illness and also slow down recovery. Conversely, minor changes in attitude can bring about major positive changes in health. The Decision Making Tips Mood Boosters will make you feel both happier and healthier.
SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY “Good times spend with friends and family are a tonic for the spirit but may also be good for the body,” says David Spiegel, M.D., of Stanford University in California. Indeed, the risk to health associated with being socially isolated is of “the same order of magnitude as the risk that accompanies smoking or having high cholesterol levels,” Spiegal says.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that when healthy volunteers were infected with a cold virus, those more involved with friends, family, work, and church groups didn’t get sick. Conversely, the volunteers who were loners, and had few social contacts readily picked up the colds.
Spiegel notes that we tend to lose sight of the fact that humans are social creatures. “Social support is a stress buffet,” he says. “My prescription for good health is to take one friend or family members at least three times a day as needed.”
Adapted from New Choices article by Rita Watson, Copyright 2007 Watson