Are you a glass half full or glass half empty kind of person? Your answer may have a significant impact on your heart health. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins, maintaining a positive outlook can reduce your risk of a heart attack by up to 50%. So, let’s dive deeper into this fascinating study and discover how being a cheerful person can keep your heart in tip-top shape, and how you can cultivate such positivity in your own life.
The Power of Positivity on Heart Health
Lisa R. Yanek, M.P.H., the study’s leader and an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, states, “If you are by nature a cheerful person and look on the bright side of things, you are more likely to be protected from cardiac events. A happier temperament has an actual effect on disease and you may be healthier as a result.”
In this study, the researchers analyzed data from the GeneSTAR (Genetic Study of Atherosclerosis Risk) study—a 25-year Johns Hopkins project sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.
Participants in the study filled out well-being surveys, which provided them with a score indicating their emotional state—how cheerful they felt, levels of anxiety, and life satisfaction. After 12 years of research, scientists discovered that those expressing positive emotions had, on average, a one-third reduction in coronary events.
It’s important to note the kind of effect positivity had on people with the highest risk for coronary events: a nearly 50% reduction. Yanek suggests that cheerful personalities might be something people are born with and may not be easily altered.
Five Ways to Boost Your Positivity
While it seems some individuals are born with a more cheerful disposition than others, that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to enhance your own positivity. Here are five habits you can implement to help you adopt a more optimistic outlook:
- Practice gratitude: Every day, make a mental note or write down at least three things you’re grateful for. It could be something small, like having a good cup of coffee or a big accomplishment at work. Cultivating gratitude helps shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life, regardless of your circumstances.
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Surround yourself with positive people: As the old saying goes, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” If you’re constantly surrounded by negativity, it’s hard to maintain a positive mindset. Instead, seek out and spend time with people who are generally positive, uplifting, and supportive.
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Focus on solutions, not problems: When faced with a challenge, instead of dwelling on the problem or getting bogged down with negative emotions, concentrate your energy on finding a solution. This change in perspective can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and problem-solving.
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Set realistic expectations: Having high expectations can often set the stage for disappointment, which can quickly dampen your positivity. By setting realistic expectations for yourself and others, you’re less likely to feel let down when something doesn’t go according to plan.
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Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Stress, disappointment, and setbacks are inevitable parts of life, and how you deal with them has a significant impact on your well-being. Instead of resorting to unhealthy coping strategies such as emotional eating or bottling up your emotions, opt for healthier alternatives like exercise, deep breathing, or confiding in a trusted friend.
The Takeaway
Your emotional state plays a crucial role in your heart health, with studies showing that maintaining a positive outlook can significantly reduce your risk of heart attack. While it appears some people are naturally more cheerful than others, anyone can take action to lead a happier, more optimistic life.
Remember, cultivating a positive mindset is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. Like any habit, it takes time, patience, and consistent effort to develop and maintain. By adopting these five practices, you can nurture your own positivity, improve your overall well-being, and ultimately safeguard your heart health. So, go ahead and give yourself permission to see the glass half full and spread the cheer!
