Love, Laugh... Live
From IDEA Fitness Journal: As it turns out, happiness is no laughing matter. Health and longevity - not to mention quality of life - are linked to it. Contrary to old notions that happiness is frivolous, shallow, naive or a wast of valuable time, there is a growing body of evidence that happiness is beneficial for morbidity (risk of illness), survival of illness and longevity. Researchers know that negative emotions such as sustained stress or fear can contribute to heart disease, stroke and diabetes; that chronic anger and anxiety can hasten atherosclerosis and increase systemic inflammation; and that early-child "toxic stress" from neglect or abuse has harmful effects on the brain and other organ systems. The Harvard Public Health Review notes that happiness appears to have a positive health benefit independent of the impact of not having negative mental health factors. HAPPINESS - ENHANCING STRATEGIES: 1. Count your blessings. Express gratitude for what you have,