Find a reason to smile: In a study of high-risk individuals, peppy people were less likely to develop coronary artery disease (CAD) than glum folks.
Researchers followed siblings of CAD patients for 5 to 25 years and measured their well-being. Those who reported feeling happy were a third as likely to develop the disease as sadder siblings, according to the study, which was published in the American Journal of Cardiology.
The scientists aren’t quite sure why happiness lowers incidents of CAD, but a sunny disposition doesn’t just fight off heart disease. “Having a positive outlook has had a beneficial impact across several medical conditions,” says Men’s Health advisor Eric J. Topol, M.D., director of the Scripps Research Institute. “What we don’t know is why. Is it a lack of stress? Superior coping skills? A lifestyle that promotes positive outlook?”
Cheering up may be easier than you think: Research from the University of Kansas finds that simply smiling can boost your mood (even if you’re pissed off). Want a long-term solution? Do something nice for a stranger. Performing positive activities, like random acts of kindness or recording what you’re thankful for, can increase happiness and positive thinking, according to several studies.
Try this: Every morning for the next week, write down three good things that happened to you the day before. Even if a highlight was snagging Cheerios on sale at the supermarket, research shows focusing on the good in your life every morning can increase your outlook for the whole day.
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