It's not too late to make a New Year's Resolution that could change your life by making it longer and healthier…. Smile more.
Optimistic people tend to make healthier choices about diet and exercise.
Some findings even suggest positive thinking has a direct influence on how well your body works.
In a recent study of more than 6,000 adults over 50, scientists found that those with sunny dispositions had a significantly reduced risk of stroke.
Research also suggests it may boost your mood, immune system and longevity. You're not going to go from Debbie Downer to Pollyanna overnight, but you can learn to think more positively.
Here are four strategies to help brighten your outlook and boost your health:
Shift one perspective at a time.
Pick a part of your life you tend to cast in an unfavorable light — your daily commute, for example — and focus on fixing your thinking there first. Instead of working yourself into a tizzy sitting in traffic, think of it as uninterrupted alone time to plan something fun or enjoy your favorite radio station.
Let yourself laugh.
You'll feel less stressed, even during difficult times. And that may help protect against heart attacks, research suggests.
Hang out with happy people.
It'll rub off on you — plus, those are the friends you can depend on when you're feeling down.
Negative thoughts, positive talk.
When a negative thought enters your mind, give it a positive twist. For example, instead of thinking "I've never used this computer program before," tell yourself it's a perfect chance to learn something new.
So in 2012, don't underestimate the power of positive thinking. It will not only improve how you interact with others, but it could also improve your health. For the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, I'm Dr. Tedd Mitchell, and this is the President's Prescription.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and KCBD, a Raycom Media Station. 