A positive frame of mind and your health


Health & Fitness By Kemi Ilori
Tuesday, January 9, 2007

One of the nicest things about new year is that it is a period of unbridled optimism. Especially in Nigeria, everyone is positive about life in general. I do not know if the study which concluded that Nigerians are the happiest people on earth, was done in the December/January festive period. If it was, I am not surprised that they came up with that result. During new year, even negative Nigerians suspend their negativity for the period. One of the most important things to cultivate this year is a positive frame of mind. A positive frame of mind is very good for the health.

A lot of scientific studies have shown that your mental attitude can influence your physical health and thereby influence how well you live, as well as how long you live.

There is a popular question which is used to determine whether you are an optimist or pessimist. It is the glass with half of it containing liquid. The question is "How do you see the glass?" Half full or Half empty The idea is that if you fall into the half full group; you are an optimist but if you fall into the half empty group; you are a pessimist. While the issue of your frame of mind may not be as simple as whether a glass is half empty or full, this example helps us to understand that your perception of situations is very important.

A positive attitude helps you to perceive opportunities you probably would not see if you were pessimistic. A positive frame of mind helps you to convert seeming disadvantages to advantages. A positive frame of mind helps to bring out the best in you. It is human to feel depressed and discouraged when things work out wrongly, but renewing your strength and summoning the right frame of mind is important. Life inevitably presents challenges and frustrations, but it is up to you to look for ways to improve your life and enhance your overall well being.

Usually, when you surmount such problems, you become more experienced and are able to handle life with greater pleasure. The bonuses of being positive are more than just being able to handle situations. It is now known that a positive attitude enhances your physical vitality, humour and social connections. People gravitate towards positive people because they help them to be hopeful. On the other hand, negative expectations make you age faster than nature intended.

Overall, positive people do not age as fast as negative people. Some people are the most horrible pessimists you can imagine. They do not wish anyone any good and their ambition is to kill other people's ambition. I am not referring to sincere and informed criticism here. Such negative attitudes are unhealthy. Scientists say that having negative thoughts could make you more illness – prone. Pessimists have been shown by scientists to have more activity in the right pre – frontal cortex of the brain. Negative brain activity has been linked to a weakened immune system.

These people are more sensitive to negative events. Pessimists never feel allright, they are jumpy and usually introverted. Are you a pessimist? If the answer is yes, improve your health in 2007 by working on your frame of mind. You have to re – organize your mental / thought processes in order to get the best out of every situation. You can do a number of things to help you loosen up. These are;
Exercise: During exercise, our body releases substances called endorphins. These are feel good substances which reduce stress, depression and anxiety. Exercise helps to diffuse tension. After a good bout of exercise, your mind is clearer and your internal courage renewed.

Nothing seems so bad. You are able to be more positive in your attitude and probably find solutions to nutty issues. You are less irritable and anger is reduced as well. You should cultivate a habit of regular exercise, but in addition to that, if someone upsets you or an issue is bothering you – Go for a long walk. By the time you are through, you will be more rational in your thoughts and able to handle the situation better.

Eat well: I remember that Bob Marley's song which says that "..a hungry man is an angry man." This is a very true statement, but unfortunately, there are a lot of men who are not hungry, but are angry too! They are missing essential nutrients in their diet. Poor nutrition contributes to our state of mind. This does not have anything to do with money. It is a matter of having nutrients that your brain needs. The B vitamins, grains and fish oils are essential brain food. Some people spend a lot of money drinking the choicest wines, well brewed beers, whiskies, etc, but do not bother about healthy food. That is why there are some grouchy and stuffy executives.

It is difficult for you to be charitable if your brain is starved of nutrients. At worse, if you do not have time to eat well, take a good supplement tablet everyday. It is a poor substitute, but it is better than nothing.

Get adequate rest: It is important that you get plenty of rest. Sleep rejuvenates and refreshes you. I know that it is sometimes difficult, but you have to find time to rest! Get plenty of rest. It will help your attitude and help you to cope with the vagaries of life.

Incorporate laughter a great stress buster: This is the real tonic that will help to convert a negatively prone person. There are a lot of interesting comedy videos, books, etc. Find time to read or watch some regularly. Laughter combines all our senses harmoniously to give peace, joy and relaxation. It is a very good tonic for helping to re – orientate the mind towards positive thought processes.

A positive attitude and your job - This deserves special mention because a person's job is what keeps him occupied. Try to find satisfaction with your station in life even if you aspire to something higher. The level of commitment you exhibit at your job is an indication of your frame of mind. When you progress, you will excel. People who are not satisfied with little things will always be on the outlook for something higher. This means that they will always find it difficult to be satisfied with their station in life. Always maintain a positive frame of mind, no matter your disposition.

Researchers in the University of Turku in Finland conducted an interesting study which showed that men who reported higher levels of satisfaction with their life were more likely to be alive 20 years later whilst dissatisfied men were more likely to die before then. Positive people have lower rates of cardiovascular (heart) problem. Keep a positive frame of mind, it will stand you in good stead.

Source:-


The Sun Publishing Limited