Optimism, Gratitude and Your Health

It's hard to grasp the first six months of the year are over. Where did the time go?! Covid is rearing its head again, families are concerned about loved ones overseas as war continues in too many countries, inflation, the housing market and climate change. Families worry if their kids will come home from school. It's a lot...

It can be challenging to maintain a positive outlook when local and global news say otherwise. It has always fascinated me why doctors begin each visit with "please rate your pain today." Wouldn't a more optimistic preliminary question be "how is your comfort level today?"  A positive outlook can be beneficial in more ways than you think. Physical health, not just mental, improves greatly when you have an optimistic or grateful mindset. Pessimism can impact inflammatory markers just like food can increase inflammation. Optimistic people are happier people, and happier people are healthier people. 

Anyone who has recently received an unexpected health diagnosis can relate that it can be challenging to stay positive. Keeping an open mind, concentrating on the future, and having an optimistic, supportive circle can significantly decrease side effects of medications or surgeries. On the contrary, focusing on your diagnosis or illness and being surrounded by anxious, worrisome people can actually prolong the issue. 

Optimism and happiness are beneficial to heart health too. Happy people and optimistic people with angioplasty conditions are half as likely to be re-hospitalized than pessimistic people. Pessimistic people are three times more likely to be readmitted. 



If you find it challenging to change your perception, try this simple exercise. Every single day, write down 3 things that you are grateful for or that made you happy that day. For example, front row parking at the grocery store, fragrant blooming flowers in our neighbors' yard, the compliment from a stranger on your morning train commute, hearing kids laughing as they pass under your window, that movie you've been waiting for is finally streaming on Netflix. Try it, it works. You will find yourself beginning to actively look for things that make you happy. 

If you need more suggestions or are in need of more professional advice, try reading back issues of the Chamber Wellness Wednesday newsletter. We are launching the 2022 editions soon, so stay tuned for the solid advice you never knew you needed. If baby-steps are more your speed, join us for monthly Meditation Monday. It's only thirty minutes out of your day.  If you may be in need of in-person care, please contact one of our Wellness Wednesday sponsors: BHealth, Rush Oak Park Hospital, Riveredge Hospital and American House.

With six months left in the year, there is so much to be thankful for, so much to celebrate. Like summer bugs on fly paper or pollen on your newly washed car, if you look for them, the feelings of happiness, optimism and gratitude will find you and stick with you.