Studies have indicated a strong link between positive mindsets and health. A positive mindset lessens the inflammatory damage of stress, reducing the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular-related issues.
Reducing your cortisol level also decreases the chance of developing infections or chronic complications.
Cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, is involved with:
– Controlling inflammation
– Managing how your body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
– Regulating blood pressure and increases in blood sugar
According to a John Hopkins study, positive people with family history of heart disease were less likely than their negative counterparts to experience a coronary event. The study had a total of 1,483 healthy people that had siblings who died before age 60 due to either a heart attack or a related cardiovascular issue.
For 25 years, Lisa R. Yanek, MPH and her team followed participants and administered surveys to determine positive and negative attitudes. Factors included cheerfulness, energy levels, anxiety levels, and satisfaction with health and life.
In a follow-up 12 years later, Yanek saw results which showed positive outlooks were tied to a one-third reduction in heart-related issues.
Another study later confirmed similar results. For 16 years, researchers collected data from 5,992 people. Those with positive mindsets were linked at a 13 percent lower risk of having cardiovascular issues.
Incorporating meditation and positive thinking in your life helps your heart and encourages healthy behaviors such as a proper sleep schedule and following a balanced diet.
Learn more in our Positivity Program series using positivity and meditation to find a centered peace.
References:
John Hopkins Medicine. “The Power of Positive Thinking.” Wellness and Prevention, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking.
Yanek, MPH, Lisa R., et al. “Effect of Positive Well-Being on Incidence of Symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease.” Preventive Cardiology, vol. 112, no. 8, 2013, pp. 1120- 1125. The American Journal of Cardiology, https://www.ajconline.org/article/S0002-9149(13)01280-0/fulltext.