It seems Hollywood celebrities are famous not only for their creative work, but also for their personal lives. Everybody has a story about their road to success, but amid the sparkle of superstardom and robust social media platforms, there are a handful of celebrities like Emily Blunt, Jim Carrey, J.K. Rowling, and Shania Twain, who persevered despite personal obstacles and adopted a profoundly positive attitude.
Now, studies show that not only is a positive attitude good for your career and relationship, but it is also good for your health. Here are four reasons from relationship expert Dr. Amy Osmond Cook why looking at the bright side of life is good for you. This expert relationship advice will help you build a happier life for you and your partner!
Expert Relationship Advice to Cultivate Positivity
1. It controls stress: Nobody would deny that stress is real, but sometimes the way we view various stresses in our life makes a big difference in how we manage it.
As the administrator of Park Manor, a busy rehabilitative care center, Ben Flinders is aware of the stress this work environment presents to his staff. Flinders recognizes his role in creating a supportive environment that fosters positivity in the workplace. “For example, sometimes the best way to navigate the stress of work that robs us of needed energy is to step away and relax,” he said. “Many times, a quiet walk during a work break or a brief meditation session can help relieve pressure.” His management style encourages staff to work smarter not just harder by self-monitoring energy levels, emotions, and attitude and to take necessary measures to refocus.
“Positive thinking doesn’t mean that you keep your head in the sand and ignore life’s less pleasant situations,” says the staff at the Mayo Clinic. “Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst.” Having that kind of mental control over any outcome is a powerful tool to control stress.
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2. Reduces recovery time: Healthcare providers witness the power of a positive attitude daily. “Our therapists are experts at providing care, but they also recognize that a positive attitude enhances those services,” said Karissa Ly, director of rehabilitation at St. Francis Heights Convalescent Hospital. “Attitude makes the body more receptive to recovery, and it can heighten a patient’s belief in themselves to get better.” Ly added that the physical work is important in recovery, but it also requires a mental toughness that needs positivity to support it.
3. Improves social connections: As more studies emerge emphasizing the importance of friendships and social interaction, they also note that a positive attitude is an important vehicle to secure those social connections. “In short, they (optimists) manage their relationships better, and as a result, when faced with adverse health events, they can rely on their social networks to a much greater degree and receive more support, managing the resulting stress more effectively,” explains PsychologyToday.com contributor Utpal Dholakia, Ph.D.
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4. Extends longevity: A study published by The Journals of Gerontology examined the relationship between an optimistic perception of aging and its impact on reducing markers of stress-related inflammation associated with heart disease and other illnesses. It seems a positive attitude will help you live longer and it will influence healthier lifestyle choices, as well. “Every day brings new challenges,” says Martha Beck, author, speaker, and life coach. And how we face those challenges plays an important part in our health. So when life warrants an attitude adjustment–be grateful! It’s good for you.
For more information about and articles by our relationship expert Dr. Amy Osmond Cook, click here.
