Some Healing Thoughts

I have been challenged this week to think about the affect that our positive thinking, thoughts etc can have on our wellbeing, ie all that mind over matter stuff.  And to think about how our emotions and our emotional state affects our day to day lives and relationships. it came into focus this week when I caught up with a long time work colleague who said to me "I am the happiest I have ever been and I am more relaxed and creative than ever."  His words were positive and spoken with great conviction, there is no doubt, he is experiencing a great high in his life right now.  And being part of his optimism got me thinking there must be a connection  between our emotions and wellbeing. 
 
Proof is emerging that our emotions affect our state of health.  Good feelings have healing effects on the body.  And feelings also influence your immunity and the rate you heal from illness and injuries.  We know about things like it's best not to smoke or to drink and exercise and a healthy diet is best.  Now we can add to this, "our level of optimism".  And  according to Mark Seligman, PhD, optimism is as least as beneficial as all the others mentioned. 

While research is not yet quite conclusive, it is clear that negative feelings like stress, sadness and worry cause a spike in the hormone cortisol and this in turn suppresses the immune system.  So there's a real imperative now to be optimistic and keep your emotions in check.  Here are some quick and simple tips that can help;

1. Express yourself.  Don't hold back.  Clear your head of thoughts and good things will happen to the rest of you.
2. Take up meditation or some sort of relaxation activity.  How about Tai Chi, yoga or some meditation CD's.
3. Ask for help if you need it.  You are not expected to know or be able to do everything!  Seek out a partner to help along the way.
4. Lean on your friends.  Social networking is huge for a reason - because people genuinely like connecting.  It makes us feel good and this in turn keeps us happy and it seems healthy too.  And effective social relationships and networks can help lower stress levels too.   
5. Look on the bright side.  Make it a point to keep your emotional state positive.  This includes being happy, calm and lively. 

   

   Smiles all round. We found the tree that dad planted as a boy.

   

We all have the ability to choose our own mind set so might as well make it an optimistic one I say.  So right now please take a minute to let us know what you do now or can do to keep an optimistic mindset.  And then make sure you put it into action straight away.