December 10, 2009

I have come across several interesting factoids, if you will, about living positive. I thought I would put them all together for you, with a few added words of my own, in hopes that they will inspire and provoke meaningful thought. Let me know what you think!


• According to University of Michigan researchers, the life expectancy of Americans increased by 6.2 years during the Great Depression. They note that part of this was due to not having money to buy cigarettes or alcohol. I can’t help but think it might have had a little to do with people not looking to outward sources for happiness, material items, but having to realize the importance of family and simple things, like food on the table, a card game with friends, etc. While the Great Depression was horrible in many ways, I think it also established some core values that are missing from today’s society. Basics were important and people didn’t think Starbucks was a necessity. I think it’s interesting that one of the “worst periods in American history” actually increased American’s life expectancy.
(Information obtained from Oprah Magazine – January 2010 issue)

• In the 2010 issue of Glamour magazine, Laura Beil writes about a simple and easy way to get healthy in the New Year. She notes that “in a recent study, scientists found that forgiving types have less depression and lower total cholesterol than those that let resentment fester.” Turns out the best thing we can do for our health is to forgive someone. Who knew it was so easy? Or is it? Forgiveness is often the most difficult thing because we feel like forgiving is saying that what was done to us is ok. Forgiveness is about our own personal happiness and health, and forgiving someone does not condone their behavior. I will write more on this subject later, but take a moment to think about any grudges or frustrations you might be holding onto. It’s hurting you more than the person you are mad at!

• Many people suffer from chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc. It has been found that women who attend pain management/education programs, which teaches patients how to control and prevent their pain, get up to 80% more relief than they do with prescription medications. I find this fascinating because we are a society that instantly turns to drugs to fix whatever ails us, and yet 80% more relief comes from changing thought patterns, learning how to relax, and even exercise. The mind body connection is powerful and our thoughts play a huge role in how our body responds to our circumstances!
(Information obtained from Woman’s World Magazine – 12/14/09 issue)

• Any of you out there tired a lot? Do you have difficulty sleeping? It turns out that a positive attitude and feeling gratitude in your life can improve your sleep. Researchers at the University of Manchester, England, discovered that those that are happiest and have the most gratitude sleep longer and better than their more negative and unappreciative counterparts. So, instead of watching the news or wallowing in the day’s events that didn’t go so well, takes a few moments to think about or write down what you are grateful for. You will sleep better, which surely will put you in a better mood the next day!
(Information obtained from Good Housekeeping – November 2009 issue)

Just a few things to consider about the effects of positive thinking. It’s amazing how powerful our thoughts can be!