Studies show that happy people are healthier and live longer. It comes as no surprise: It is well documented that mental and emotional stress suppresses our immune system, and weakened immune system cannot adequately protect the body from disease.
Though life can be full of challenges, loss and even pain, one of the ways we can cultivate happiness is to be grateful for the little things on a daily basis, as well as the obvious, giant ones.
The Bible encourages to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thess 5:16-18). We can do this by making a daily choice to look for all that is good and positive in our lives and give thanks to God and to others for them. This attitude of gratitude leads to a happier state of mind; and happiness releases healing endorphins that can strengthen our bodies…and even bring healing!
Doctor Carl Simonton with the National Cancer Institute conducted a study at the University of Texas (http://bit.ly/1xjYryr). He discovered that a patient’s attitude allowed him to predict with 100% accuracy which cancer patients would deteriorate within a two-month period and which would live. Even more than the cancer treatment protocols or proper nutrition, a positive attitude made all the difference.
A merry heart does good, like medicine. ~ Proverbs 17:22
It’s never too late to start being more positive in life. The experts tell us new habits can be formed in 60 days! Even today, we can begin by being grateful even for the little things; we can do something nurturing for ourselves, and we can set small goals that bring us the satifaction of achievement.
Every day has 1,440 new minutes. How many of these we choose to spend on being happy is up to us.
Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
~ Philippians 4:8
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