We have all heard that exercise, diet and an overall healthy lifestyle is key to great health and longevity; however, happiness plays an important role as well.
Several studies have shown that happy individuals are not only less likely to get sick but tend not to experience chronic illnesses.
Moreover, if they get sick, they seem to recover faster and experience less physical pain.
In contrast, people who experience negative emotions such as worry and concern, anger, frustration, regrets, grudges, sadness and a tendency to experience high levels of stress are more likely to develop certain ailments such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, allergies, indigestion, body aches, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Emotion starts in the brain where certain neurotransmitters get released to induce a response.
As we experience negative emotions, these neurotransmitters create an alteration in the delicate physiological balance.
Under normal circumstances, this reaction reverts as soon as the offending trigger goes away.
However, when this imbalance is present more often than not -as in people who cannot let go of problems- it affects the alkalinity-acidity balance within the body, which eventually brings about disease.
Recent studies have linked a highly acidic internal environment with a variety of illnesses.
This is believed to be connected to a constant state of unhappiness which produces toxins and raises acidity levels within the body.
Unexpressed anger and resentment that do not have an emotional outlet will eventually manifest through illnesses.
Thus, if you suffer from a chronic illness, you should consider the possibility that your physical condition is not the only issue.
On the bright side, there have been many cases of people with chronic illnesses who are able to heal themselves once they release their negative emotions in healthy ways, such as exercise, a new hobby and even psychotherapy.
By modifying their habits or lifestyle and focusing on positive emotions, many have experienced a spontaneous remission to their condition.
This is because the internal balance is recovered as other neurotransmitters get released, which results in a more stable and happy lifestyle.
If you are experiencing negative emotions that don't go away, these tips will help you live happier: o Release old grudges and anger.
Screaming may be a healthy way to release the accumulated negative feelings that come from anger.
Writing a letter to the person who hurt you will help you release your anger in it.
You don't have to send the letter for this to prove therapeutic.
Just tear it up or burn it afterwards.
Crying is always a great outlet.
Also, talking to the person after you feel calm and expressing your feelings in a constructive manner helps.
o Forgive from the heart.
As the saying goes, "Unforgiveness is like drinking a poison and waiting for the other person to die.
" True forgiveness will make you feel lighter, as though you have been relieved from carrying a heavy load.
You will even breathe differently! o Let go of control.
Feel humble and leave certain things to the universe.
No person can control everything.
Trust that everything will work out for the best.
o Be grateful.
Make it a point to be grateful for at least one thing every day.
This will bring about positive feelings and you will feel happier as a result.
o Exercise positive self-talk.
Just as healthy food nourishes the body, healthy self-talk nourishes the soul.
Feed your mind with positive thoughts.
Recognize your qualities and believe in your potential.
Prepare to be amazed at the results in your overall well-being.
o Engage in positive activities.
Take a class or get a new hobby.
You are likely to find positive people with your same interests.
Surrounding yourself with positive people will do miracles in your life.
Minimize contact with negative people who deplete your energy.
o Consider psychotherapy.
If you have deep emotional feelings and/or issues that go back to your childhood, consider professional help to facilitate healing.
Several studies have shown that happy individuals are not only less likely to get sick but tend not to experience chronic illnesses.
Moreover, if they get sick, they seem to recover faster and experience less physical pain.
In contrast, people who experience negative emotions such as worry and concern, anger, frustration, regrets, grudges, sadness and a tendency to experience high levels of stress are more likely to develop certain ailments such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, allergies, indigestion, body aches, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Emotion starts in the brain where certain neurotransmitters get released to induce a response.
As we experience negative emotions, these neurotransmitters create an alteration in the delicate physiological balance.
Under normal circumstances, this reaction reverts as soon as the offending trigger goes away.
However, when this imbalance is present more often than not -as in people who cannot let go of problems- it affects the alkalinity-acidity balance within the body, which eventually brings about disease.
Recent studies have linked a highly acidic internal environment with a variety of illnesses.
This is believed to be connected to a constant state of unhappiness which produces toxins and raises acidity levels within the body.
Unexpressed anger and resentment that do not have an emotional outlet will eventually manifest through illnesses.
Thus, if you suffer from a chronic illness, you should consider the possibility that your physical condition is not the only issue.
On the bright side, there have been many cases of people with chronic illnesses who are able to heal themselves once they release their negative emotions in healthy ways, such as exercise, a new hobby and even psychotherapy.
By modifying their habits or lifestyle and focusing on positive emotions, many have experienced a spontaneous remission to their condition.
This is because the internal balance is recovered as other neurotransmitters get released, which results in a more stable and happy lifestyle.
If you are experiencing negative emotions that don't go away, these tips will help you live happier: o Release old grudges and anger.
Screaming may be a healthy way to release the accumulated negative feelings that come from anger.
Writing a letter to the person who hurt you will help you release your anger in it.
You don't have to send the letter for this to prove therapeutic.
Just tear it up or burn it afterwards.
Crying is always a great outlet.
Also, talking to the person after you feel calm and expressing your feelings in a constructive manner helps.
o Forgive from the heart.
As the saying goes, "Unforgiveness is like drinking a poison and waiting for the other person to die.
" True forgiveness will make you feel lighter, as though you have been relieved from carrying a heavy load.
You will even breathe differently! o Let go of control.
Feel humble and leave certain things to the universe.
No person can control everything.
Trust that everything will work out for the best.
o Be grateful.
Make it a point to be grateful for at least one thing every day.
This will bring about positive feelings and you will feel happier as a result.
o Exercise positive self-talk.
Just as healthy food nourishes the body, healthy self-talk nourishes the soul.
Feed your mind with positive thoughts.
Recognize your qualities and believe in your potential.
Prepare to be amazed at the results in your overall well-being.
o Engage in positive activities.
Take a class or get a new hobby.
You are likely to find positive people with your same interests.
Surrounding yourself with positive people will do miracles in your life.
Minimize contact with negative people who deplete your energy.
o Consider psychotherapy.
If you have deep emotional feelings and/or issues that go back to your childhood, consider professional help to facilitate healing.