Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • July 16, 2014 Enjoy the health benefits a positive attitude can bring A balanced diet, exercise, genetics, and even certain medications can work in concert to make a person healthy. In addi- tion, a person’s demeanor can factor into personal health. The Mayo Clinic says that whether or not a person is an optimist or a pessi- mist can affect many areas of his or her health and well-being, and those who see the glass as half-full may ultimately be healthier than those who see it as half- empty. Positive thinking can make it easier to manage stress. The body responds dif- ferently based on an individual’s mood, and it may produce stress hormones if a person’s outlook is negative. Such stress hormones can compromise the immune system, increase blood pressure, and even reduce the body’s ability to burn fat effec- tively. Thinking negatively and being on edge also can increase a person’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease and aging prematurely. Conversely, maintaining a positive atti- tude can be good for health. Studies have shown that thinking positively can lower rates of depression and anxiety, increase life expectancy, and provide greater resis- tance to certain illnesses, such as the common cold. A 2012 preliminary study from researchers at Stanford University found that daughters of mothers suffering from depression were able to witness their own stress levels go down on a real-time brain scan as they switched from negative thoughts to happy ones. Researchers are unsure why positive thinking has such profound effects. How- ever, in addition to limiting stress-releas- ing hormones, positive thinking may inspire people to live healthier lifestyles that make them more likely to get routine physical activity and eat a healthy diet. Happy people also may be less likely to use tobacco products or alcohol as coping mechanisms when dealing with elevated stress levels, and such people will not have to deal with the side effects that can come with these unhealthy behaviors. Becoming a more positive thinker can take a little effort for those without a natural inclination for optimism. Because positive thinking boasts such significant health benefits, men and women might want to try the following methods to embrace their optimistic side. Exercise: Start an exercise regimen, as physical activity naturally reduces stress and can improve mood. Embrace humor: Surround yourself with others who bring a smile to your face. Look for ways to laugh as much as possible. Rather than go out to dinner or a bar with friends, head to a comedy club. Choose comedies at the movie theater and find humor in everyday happenings. Laughter combined with positive thinking is a prescription for good health. Research shows that laughter relaxes the entire body, relieving physical tension and stress for up to 45 minutes. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases infection-fighting antibodies. Endorphins that promote an overall sense of well- being and relieve pain can be released from a hearty bout of laughter. Further- more, laughter can increase blood flow throughout the body, which protects against hypertension and heart attack. Identify areas that need change: Think about moments in life that may bring you down or inspire negative reactions. If work is problematic, figure out ways to make it better and work toward improv- ing the situation. Be supportive of yourself: Consider what you would say to others and then treat yourself the same way. Would you be overly negative or derogatory toward a complete stranger? Probably not, and there is no reason to be harsh with your- self, either. Push negative thoughts away. Volunteer: One way to see the world in a more positive light is to help others who may be less fortunate than you. Vol- unteering not only helps others, but it also can help you put your own problems in perspective. Volunteering also helps you feel good about your efforts, which can translate into positive thinking. Think like a child: Take a cue from youngsters and find joy in the little things. Let children be the leaders in activities and mimic what they do. You just may find yourself laughing more and enjoying yourself. Being silly for a little while is one way to recapture feelings of youth.