We’re on the topic of being happy this week, and this Flashback Friday from 2015 fits the bill. It features an article I wrote while working as a reporter for a newspaper …
Every day new research is proving that our inner world affects our outer world — specifically, our thoughts affect our health. I’m sure you’ve heard the stories of people who used laughter to raise their immune systems and reverse chronic illnesses.
Since studying neuroscience while earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, I’ve been increasingly interested in how our thoughts and the actual health of our brains influence not only our mental health, but also our physical health. It reminds me of Proverbs 17:22, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one’s strength.” Anyone who has endured a hard period in life knows the last part of that verse is true.
When I was working as a reporter for The Galveston County Daily News, I wrote a story that seems appropriate to reprint now.
Happy thoughts can lower blood pressure
By Senée Seale
The Daily News
Published October 29, 2006
GALVESTON — The prescription to lower your blood pressure may be as simple as this: Don’t worry. Be happy.
A study by University of Texas Medical Branch faculty members links positive emotions to lower blood pressure.
Dr. Glenn Ostir of UTMB said patients were asked questions about their happiness and optimism levels at the same time their blood pressure was taken.
“Those who were happier seemed to have lower blood pressure,” he said. “Positive emotions tend to be associated with a reduced risk of heart attack or stroke.”
While the study focused on 2,500 Mexican Americans 65 and older, Ostir said he has no reason to believe this treatment wouldn’t work for other ethnic groups as well.
If you can control your emotional well-being and lower your blood pressure, the theory is you could prevent a heart attack or stroke.
While Ostir stops short of saying happy people don’t have heart attacks or strokes, he did say positive emotions tend to be associated with a reduced risk of these diseases.
The study also found that targeting the emotional health of older adults might be used as part of non-medication treatment, saving elderly patients money on prescriptions.
The Bright Side
Faith Casanova of Galveston is disabled and has other ailments to deal with, but she tries to look on the bright side of life.
The 72-year-old Jehovah’s Witness said she spends her time thinking about the good things and the positive teachings of her religion.
“I focus on the resurrection, hope, future and paradise here on earth,” she said. “I know it will be a new world with happiness and no sickness or death, so I don’t have to worry about things.”
Despite being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Casanova said she’s a happy person and tries to be positive.
Betty Davis, 65, of Galveston, credits medication for keeping her blood pressure low, but she did say it is lower when she’s thinking happy thoughts.
“My blood pressure fluctuates,” she said “It depends on what I’m doing when it’s taken.”
Relaxing Tips
Ostir said you need to be aware that you have some control over your own well-being.
“You choose to be stressed out over an event,” he said. “I think the key is to be aware that you are stressed out. It’s your choice whether you remain that way or choose to change it.”
He said anything that reduces internal stress, such as practicing yoga, meditating, gardening or reading a book, will help to lower your blood pressure.
Susie Mantell, stress-relief expert and author of the relaxation CD “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” said reducing internal stress can be as simple as getting enough sleep.
“A good night’s sleep makes a world of difference to bust stress and promote overall well-being,” she said.
“The advent of 24-hour and instant everything has created a society working harder, longer and faster. The resulting sleep deprivation creates tension, irritability and compromises immunity.”
Mantell agrees with Ostir that small steps can make a big difference in uplifting your mood. She suggests spending part of your lunch hour doing things that take your mind off work such as listening to soothing music or reading.
“Take two to three minute breaks in your workday,” she said. “Walk outdoors even for a few minutes. While downloading files, waiting at a red light, or in line at the bank, breathe slowly, mindfully and create soothing multi-sensory imagery.”
• • •
I know from experience that it doesn’t feel like it in the moment, but we really DO have control over our thoughts and inner world — even when our outer world is falling apart around us. It doesn’t happen immediately, but we can practice changing our thoughts to happier ones.
“Each thought is precious. We can learn to think in positive affirmations. Yes, it takes a bit of doing to gain control over our thoughts; however, the rewards are tremendous,” Louise Hay recently wrote on social media.
“The past has no power over us,” she continued. “Even problems have no power over us. Our power lies in the thoughts that we choose to think today. Remember, there are endless opportunities for good before us.”
I’d love to hear how focusing on being happy helped your mental or physical health … Leave a comment below.
You can find these Flashback Friday blogs posted every Friday. If you want to know more how to have successful relationships and peace of mind, you can get a free PDF sample chapter of “The Princess Guide to Healing a Broken Heart” by filling out the form in the sidebar on this page.
