Positive Thinking Improves Health

"Whenever I start feeling as if it's unfair that I have to take so many shots and test my blood so many times a day, I think of people who have it worse. At least my disease is one I can fight by trying to eat right and manage well. Looking on the bright side helps." This quote is from Thad Novak a thirteen year old diabetic who spoke out on Save the Child Blog last week. His mother New York Times Best Selling Author Brenda Novak gives a great example of doing something positive about a health problem to effect change. She is hosting the sixth annual on-line auction for Diabetes Research.

Dr. Martin Seligman says that “quietly reminding yourself that you do have the skills and resources to handle most of what you will have to handle today is a good way to cultivate an optimistic attitude.” I think when Thad is focusing on the positive facts that with advances in medicine, a supportive family, and improved technology he has the chance to live a good life, compared to some other individuals, he gives himself the opportunity to save the energy that could be wasted if he moped and complained about his lot. It is like looking at the silver lining around the clouds or to survive the storm you dance in the rain.

Research suggests that maintaining a positive outlook during distressing times can optimize not only your emotional wellbeing, but also your cardiovascular health. The University of California researchers found that actors could influence their immune system by the emotions they portrayed. There are studies upon studies done at well respected institutions such as Harvard, Duke University, the University of Chicago and more showing a direct relationship between improved health, extended live, and overall sense of well being and having a positive attitude.