Research has found a link between a positive mental state and improved health – from lowering blood pressure to having a lower risk of heart attack (even in those with a family history of heart disease). According to findings by experts at John Hopkins, the effects of positive thinking on health are evident, even in individuals with many risk factors for coronary artery disease.
The benefits of thinking positively extend beyond cardiovascular health. The gut, which is referred to as the “second brain,” is home to trillions of bacteria, and negative thoughts and emotions can affect their balance, which further impacts physical health, particularly digestion and immunity.
Older research has shown a link between positive thinking and longevity. If you want to live a longer and healthier life, you may need to add better mental health to your goals.
Let’s talk more about how positivity can help you achieve optimal well-being.
How Stress and a Negative Outlook Impacts Health
When a person experiences chronic stress, their body continuously releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, causing inflammation and elevating the heart rate. Over time, this leads to a range of adverse health effects, such as weakening the immune system and making the individual more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Stress can also disrupt sleep patterns and cause poor sleep hygiene, creating the perfect environment for poor mental and physical health.
A negative outlook, which is defined as chronic pessimism and negative thinking, further compounds the detrimental effects of stress on health. Negative emotions and thought patterns can perpetuate stress and lead to a heightened inflammatory response in the body. Over time, it can lead to the development of chronic diseases, such as autoimmune conditions and digestive disorders.
All in all, chronic stress and negative thinking should be addressed, as both can contribute to anxiety, depression, and feelings of burnout. It can also lead a person to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, or substance abuse, further compromising one’s health and well-being.
Tips on How to Live a Positive Life
The good news is, a positive outlook can be cultivated, and stress can be managed effectively.
Here are some useful tips for a more positive life:
1. Practice Gratitude
Every day, take a moment to reflect on the things you are grateful for – think of special talents and skills that you have, or the people who love you, or having a roof over your head and never going hungry. Just being able to see, hear, and get up each day are a few things you can be grateful for. This simple act can shift your focus from negativity to appreciation for what you have.
2. Practice Mindful Meditation
Engaging in mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress levels and manage negative self-talk. It also helps you better manage your responses to daily stressors, giving you greater control over your thoughts and emotions.
3. Engage in Regular Exercise
Physical activity releases endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals that can boost your mood and foster a positive outlook. Exercise benefits all bodily systems, including the digestive system, and you do not need to sign up for a gym membership, simply making the conscious effort to get moving is a good start.
4. Maintain Social Connections
Withdrawing from socializing can have detrimental effects on your well-being. Social interactions and meaningful relationships are important for better mental and physical health. Reach out to your family and friends, or make new social connections.
5. Laugh
You know the saying “Laughter is the best medicine.” When you laugh, it triggers a release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness – and it has been shown to repair the damage in the brain caused by stress.
Studies actually show a change in brain activity when a person laughs, stimulating healing gamma waves. To introduce more laughter into your life, seek out funny books or videos, or share a laugh with your loved ones and strangers.
6. Limit Negative Media Consumption
Constant exposure to negative news and social media can contribute to stress and poor mental health. It is very easy to get caught up in fabricated and carefully curated lives on social media. In addition, news can sometimes feel like impending doom is around the corner. Therefore, make an effort to balance your media consumption to maintain a healthier outlook on life.
A Common Cause of a Negative Outlook: Poor Gut Health
Sometimes, poor health can lead to a negative outlook. Feeling ill and in pain can inevitably lead to frustration, sadness, and dissatisfaction with the way your life is going. A very common reason for feeling ill is poor gut health, which can limit your diet, cause a lot of discomfort, and reduce satisfaction with what you can eat and how you feel.
Some signs that you have poor gut health are:
- Frequent bloating, gas, and indigestion
- Irregular bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Persistent abdominal discomfort or pain
- Fatigue, brain fog, and mood fluctuations
- Skin issues
- Food sensitivities or intolerances
- Weight gain or unexplained weight loss
Treatment for Digestive Issues in Austin, TX
If you are experiencing digestive symptoms, our gastroenterologists at Austin Gastroenterology can determine the cause and help you get on the right path toward better digestive and overall health. Our GI doctors like to emphasize prevention and believe in a comprehensive, individualized approach to better digestive health, and can provide for all your GI needs.
To schedule an appointment with a GI specialist, call our GI clinic nearest you or use our online request form.
