A "Merry Heart" Has A Positive Effect on Health
The Mayo Clinic conducted a study that tracked 839 people over a period of 30 years. Those who scored high in pessimism on a standardized scale had a 19% greater chance of premature death than those who scored more optimistically.
A "merry heart" may mean an optimistic outlook, the ability to enjoy life more, well-being, life satisfaction, fulfillment, or general happiness.
Happiness doesn't come from being rich and famous according to research based on hundreds of interviews and questionnaires by Dr. David Myers, author of The Pursuit of Happiness. He showed that happiness had almost no correlation to an individual's social status, income, gender, education level, physical attractiveness, or skin color.
Happy people tended to have higher self-esteem, be outgoing and cooperative, have close friendships and/or a satisfying marriage, have work and leisure activities that engage their skills, have a meaningful set of values or religious beliefs, sleep well and exercise regularly.
There are some steps that can be taken if you feel you are predetermined by genes or upbringing to be a pessimist.
--Accept that happiness doesn't come from financial success.
--Associate with optimistic people - optimism is contagious.
--Enjoy your successes.
--Take control of your time.
--Act happy - talk positively.
--Be willing to try new things.
--Decatrastophize.
--Be responsible to your body - get enough sleep & exercise.
--Give a little - volunteer.
Taken from the Oxford Healthy Mind Healthy Body Guide to Living Well.
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