Optimism Reduces Stroke Risk, Improves Health
You may be familiar with the idea that a healthy attitude is great medicine. Unfortunately, very few people realize just how in sync the mind and body really are. Laughing can instantly make you feel better just as a positive attitude can help you to be significantly more healthy. In fact, an optimistic attitude towards life can prevent all sorts of physical ailments from developing. According to one study, an optimistic attitude may help prevent you from having a stroke.
Over 6000 adults aged 50 and over were asked to assess their level of optimism on a point scale up to 16 points. After age adjustments, each point on the scale accounted for a 9 percent decrease in stroke risk. The study found that the link between optimism and reduction in stroke risk is very strong. Even when factors such as gender, blood pressure, illness, body mass index, smoking, drinking and physical activity were adjusted, the relationship between attitude and reduction of stroke risk was very clear.
Optimistic People
Optimistic people use positive thinking to deal with difficult problems in their life, big and small – and it works. Those with an optimistic attitude generally have increased resistance to illnesses such as the common cold, a reduced rate of depression, lower amounts of stress and are more energetic. This concept even holds true with old age, according a more recent study.
The study, published in Psychosomatic Medicine, says that seniors who maintain a positive outlook despite increasing health problems can reduce—and even reverse—health risks.
It is thought that people who are optimistic can better cope with stress and anxiety, two big factors for overall quality of health. Previous studies have also indicated that people who are optimistic have improved immune system function and a healthier heart compared to those who are pessimistic.
Change Your Attitude
It appears that keeping a stroke and other serious health conditions at bay could be as easy as an attitude adjustment. Simple positive affirmations throughout the day may be helpful reminders of the importance of a positive state of mind. After all, we cannot always control what happens to us, but we can always control how we respond to what happens.
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I'm completely convinced that total health and wellness involves mind, body and spirit. Our thoughts shape our actions and habits. As an Egoscue Approved Postural Therapy provider, I'm constantly coaching my clients that overcoming chronic pain also involves our thoughts. Do you believe you can be well? Do you believe that your body can heal? A positive outlook makes such a difference. I've seen it time and time again. Thanks for posting! Always love the articles and share them often with my readers!
A laugh a day helps keep the doctor away. People who are optimistic expect a favorable outcome. They also tend to focus on the most hopeful aspects of a situation. Studies suggest that people who expect the best things in life actively take steps to promote health and well-being. Being optimistic may have a protective effect on stroke because of the behavior choices optimistic people tend to make, such as exercising, eating a healthy diet, or taking vitamins, the researchers say. However, some evidence indicates positive thinking may have a strictly biological effect as well. "We know from many other studies that patients' attitudes can be incredibly powerful." Goldstein cautions, the study does not show that optimism causes lower stroke risk, simply that the two are associated. Optimism may be a marker for other behaviors or issues that weren't measured. "Still," he continues, "having a positive attitude certainly can't hurt."
Linda — VLCNW Student