Health gem

If you do one thing this week... try to stay postive

If you do one thing this week . . . try to stay postive

Could having a positive outlook be linked with a longer, healthier life?

A review of over 160 studies found that, in general, people with a positive state of mind tend to survive longer and enjoy better health.

The paper, published recently in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, found that feeling positive about your life and not being stressed is linked with longevity and better health among healthy populations, according to author Ed Diener.

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“Happiness is no magic bullet. But the evidence is clear and compelling that it changes your odds of getting disease or dying young,” says Diener, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Illinois.

“Current health recommendations focus on four things: avoid obesity, eat right, don’t smoke, and exercise. It may be time to add ‘be happy and avoid chronic anger and depression’ to the list,” according to Diener.