Tweet

Get Happy To Get Healthy

Guest post by: Michael Hume

Article Overview: If you want to look around for reasons to be depressed and unhappy, you'll have an easy time of it these days, no doubt. The economy's in a shambles, a lot of people are out of work (you might be one of them)... and if you own a business, or run somebody else's business, you know it's very tough sledding out there. It's easy to fall into a victim's attitude....

Get Happy To Get Healthy

Health Habits: Really, Have A Happy New Year! If you want to look around for reasons to be depressed and unhappy, you'll have an easy time of it these days, no doubt. The economy's in a shambles, a lot of people are out of work (you might be one of them)... and if you own a business, or run somebody else's business, you know it's very tough sledding out there. It's easy to fall into a victim's attitude.

But you must not do that! You have to fight the blues for your mind's sake, for the sake of your business, and (it turns out) for the sake of your health and vitality. And some interesting research findings drive this point home.

First, according to the Journal of The American Stroke Association and The Mayo Clinic, the more you stay positive and happy, the better chance you have of avoiding a stroke. The Journal also reported that upbeat folks have healthier immune systems, faster ability to heal wounds, and a lower risk of heart disease.

It's that first bit that seems of great importance, because other research points to a rise in strokes. Another academic journal, "Annals of Neurology," reported this summer that from 1995 to 2008, the incidence of ischemic strokes rose by about half for males, and about a quarter for females. The journal noted that risk factors for stroke, including family history, previous strokes, drug and alcohol usage, smoking, obesity, and hypertension were also more common. So if you have some of these other risk factors, why add a sour disposition to the list?

One more finding that might suggest something to do about this: a couple months ago, the British Journal of Psychology reported that depressed people tend to avoid eye contact in social situations (and in experimental settings), while happy people seem to want to look you in the eye. This eye-contact avoidance led many sad folks to avoid certain social situations... and while that might have reduced the anxiety they'd have felt in the situation itself, it increased their sense of social isolation and deepened their already-dismal mood.

I'll add one more wrinkle: those of us who have an introverted personality type tend to be first to avoid social settings. Therefore, we can be particularly at risk of causing our own downward spiral toward depression, beginning with allowing ourselves more isolation than an extrovert might allow herself. Know this: being an introvert doesn't mean you're not socially capable, or that you are destined for depression. It's merely a preference. You can still party like it's, well, like it's New Year's... and though you might have to be dragged to the party, you'll often find later that you thank the person who dragged you!

So do what it takes to get happy... you'll live longer (and better). Start by jumping into social settings (you'll be glad afterward that you did, even you introverts!), and make a renewed effort to look folks in the eye. Your business, your mission, and your very health may depend on it.

Related Articles
  Feeding Your Mind Outrageously Healthy Thoughts
  The Keys to Outrageous Healthiness
  3 Websites That Can Help You Manage ADHD
  The Attitude of Gratitude
  Create an Outrageously Healthy Environment at Home
  Am I in a Healthy Relationship?
  Success by Association
  Improve Your Work Life Balance And Get More Out Of Life
  How you can work towards a happy life
  New Year Resolutions - Who Do You Want to Be?
  What's Getting in Your way to feeling outrageously healthy Today?
  The Macic Of Belief
  Being prosperous is your job
  Work Life Balance: The Key To A Sustainable Business and A Sustainable Life
  Coach Pete Tip: What Does Success Mean To You?
  Eating Healthy Can Save Your Life and Money
  Does Your Job Make You Sick?
  If I Say Live a Healthy Lifestyle Will You Run The Other Way?
  Happiness or Fulfillment?
  Here’s how to Improve your Work and Life Balance

Article Tags: health habits, health wealth and happiness, personal responsibility, successful entrepreneurs



Related Forum Posts
Re: How does an entrepreneur stay energized? - Hi there, This subject is not only for entrepreneurs. Everybody can benefit from this, that is the reason why 'Healthy Living and Eating' is a multi billion Dollar business. Often I smile, because so much is written about it. So many different business are blooming and doing well. Whilst there is so much knowledge and opportunity to be healthy and well, the need is still growing. There is so much that could be said. The cheapest form of energy is gained by a good sleep.
Re: How do you earn trust with an online business? - [quote="barrysarner":2ofdytmf]Hi Mary Happy holiday . . . You're so right. That's the only way to live your life if you want enduring success in your business AND personal life.[/quote:2ofdytmf] That's true, Barry.....And a Happy New Year to you! May it be even more prosperous and enjoyable than the last!
Re: Happy New Years! - [quote="Nana":2gg8n7v8]Happy Belated New Years! Out of curiosity what are your new years resolutions for your business? Did anyone manage to honour their past resolutions?[/quote:2gg8n7v8] Happy new year! I have a rule NOT to make resolutions...[i:2gg8n7v8] just my quirk![/i:2gg8n7v8] I've seen the disappointment too many times at failing to stick with the resolution. BUT - I will silently set some intentions for the year ahead and try to be mindful of achieving them... As I get older, I've gotten better at focusing on those goals too. As Martin has said - [i:2gg8n7v8]just focus on one thing at a time[/i:2gg8n7v8] - cross it off your list, then move on to the next...
Re: Happy Birthday Evan - Happy Birthday!!!
Re: Off to New York / Philly - Have fun! And Happy Birthday!


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Hypotheticals, Scenarios and Foresight

••••••>SEO Tip Of The Day: HTML Validation

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.