Wednesday, June 9, 2010

HAPPINESS AND HEALTHY HEART

A happy mind may mean a healthy heart, according to recent research published in the European Heart Journal. Researchers found that over the course of 10 years, adults who were more positive were less likely to develop coronary heart disease than their more negative peers.....

...... Davidson says, 'It may be that people who tend to be happier also tend to sleep better, smoke less, and eat better foods,' all of which have been associated with improved cardiac health. 'Also, we know from other experiments that if you induce happiness in people, stress hormone levels decrease,' ...........

.......when you're feeling satisfied and relaxed, your entire physiological system goes into a state of repose. It�s possible that spending more time in this restful state can protect the heart.'.....

.....being a more positive person does provide proven benefits, such as keeping your immune system healthy, warding off depression, and extending your life.........

The following real-life strategies can help you stay more positive
1.Be thankful.
You may not have all the money you want or the perfect job, but taking time to jot down three things in your life for which you are grateful can lift your spirits, advises Jeffrey Rossman, PhD, Rodale.com advisor and director of life management at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts.

2. Volunteer. 
A recent study found that people who worked after retirement, either in a paid position or by volunteering, were happier and healthier than people who kept away from the workforce entirely.

3. Focus on the here and now. 
Sometimes we get preoccupied with the challenges we must face tomorrow, the next day, or next week. But small micromoments of happiness can happen in the here and now ........ Appreciating the good things you experience, no matter how small, can add up to a greater sense of well-being and a more positive outlook."

Source :http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/PVN/be-happy-and-keep-your-heart-healthy

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