You are never too old or too ill to set another dream or goal, and having an optimistic mindset creates room for amazing health benefits.
We know this thanks to a field of research called psychoneuroimmunology. This field of research has uncovered some of the mysteries of how the mental, nervous, and immune systems work together. Having a positive outlook brings out the best of these systems to benefit your well-being by:
- Enhancing natural killer cell activity, which keeps cancer in check and helps you fight infections.
- Increasing helper ratios for suppressor T-cells (out-of-balance T-cells cause autoimmunity).
- Creating better gut health due to the increased slgA function.
We understand that maintaining a positive attitude can be a challenge for anyone, especially for those who are sick. Because relationships are such an integral part of our existence, it is important to find people who are understanding and supportive, no matter how you feel or what you’re going through. Besides surrounding yourself with positive people, here are some other ways to improve your mental outlook:
- Volunteer
- Write and send thank you cards
- Meditate
- Practice gratitude
- Random acts of kindness
- Balance out your alone time with social activities
- Enjoy some time outdoors
Even when things are hard, we can all find something to smile about. It could be something as simple as fresh fruit on a hot day or a bird perched outside your window. Even the most optimistic of people will tell you that it takes intentionality, so start with being grateful for the little things. A little bit of positivity can certainly go a long way.
