Happiness & Health

While long-standing research suggests that negative thoughts and emotions can lead to high blood pressure and production of harmful hormones, recent evidence may be uncovering the true significance of positivity in the prevention of chronic diseases.

The majority of heart attacks can be prevented through healthy lifestyle practices. What if a little enthusiasm, optimism, self-regulation, bounce-back, and  positive social support were the key to implementing and most importantly sustaining healthy lifestyle behaviors? Is it possible to find true joy in movement, to crave the sweet crunch of apples, and to feel confident in your ability to take a night off without feeling all hope is lost?
 

Yes, we all have some tendency toward negative thoughts and emotions and certainly some of us have greater predisposition toward negativity, but even still, you have a great deal of control over your thoughts and emotions.

LCSW, Dr. Teri Flint spoke to our employees this summer about emotional resilience. Her presentation was so powerful, I couldn't help but share my Top 10 Takeaways:

1. Identify what you can and can't control.
2. Focus on what you can control- yourself.
3. Be grateful for little things.
4. Take time for things you truly enjoy.
5. Gear your daily activities toward your highest priorities.
6. Stop criticizing yourself.
7. Remember that challenges are neither personal nor permanent.
8. Respect the past, plan for the future, but most of all live in the moment.
9. Always forgive others, especially those who mean you harm.
10. Be true to yourself. Those who were meant to be your friends will.

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/magazine/happiness-stress-heart-disease/

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15992/10-habits-to-give-up-if-you-want-to-be-happy.html?utm_campaign=recommendation&utm_medium=popular&utm_source=feature