In the midst of difficult living conditions, the people of the Philippines still manage to find happiness, politeness, and contentment in their everyday lives. It may be surprising to some, but these smiles may be the key to their good health. As a matter of fact, recent studies suggest that happiness and healthiness are directly linked.
The Science Behind Happiness and Healthiness
Researchers reported in the online journal Circulation Cardiovascular Quality Outcomes that high levels of positive affect were associated with a significantly reduced risk of all-cause mortality and increased chance of exercising in Danish ischemic heart disease patients. In simpler terms, when a person is happy, they are more likely to exercise and live a longer life.
Employed men were among the happiest people in the study. Perhaps this is because they tend to have a better understanding of their health condition and may have a broader worldview that inspires them to take action over their health. After all, when people are happy, they are more likely to be motivated to exercise, eat right, follow healthcare programs, and engage with others, leading to an overall better quality of life.
Interventions That Work
The study also showed that interventions aimed at increasing both positive affect and exercise may have better results in terms of patients’ prognosis and psychological well-being. This is true even without a study backing it up, as it can be seen in real life experiences.
Filipinos, for example, still manage to find happiness amidst dreadful health conditions. A positive mental attitude, a better outlook, and improved feelings of well-being all contribute to happiness, which in turn leads to better health.
How To Get Happy And Healthy
If happiness does lead to healthiness, the question then becomes: how do we get happy? It’s quite simple—stop focusing on the how, and start thinking about the why.
When you focus on the how, such as how to pay insurance bills or how to overcome illness, you might only see the challenges and hardships ahead. This negative outlook can lead to stress, anxiety, lost sleep, decreased quality of life, and a lack of motivation.
On the other hand, by focusing on the why—why you need to be happy and healthy—it can lead to a more positive outlook. For instance, remembering that you need your health in order to enjoy your day, play with your kids, and live a longer life can lift your spirits and inspire motivation. This simple shift in thinking can improve your overall happiness and well-being.
The Power of Happiness
Happiness is a powerful force that can improve your life even in the most difficult of circumstances. By focusing on the reasons why you need to be happy and healthy, you set yourself up for a better overall quality of life.
In addition to general lifestyle improvements, incorporating exercise into your routine can offer a significant boost in happiness levels. More importantly, the combination of a happy mindset and active lifestyle can greatly reduce the risk of all-cause mortality. Studies have proven this, and perhaps the people of the Philippines can attest to this as well.
