| You've probably heard the expression: "It's not what | | | | People who go through stressful events seem to get |
| you're eating. It's what's eating you!" This well-known | | | | sicker more often than those who have less problems |
| saying reminds us that the thoughts we entertain can | | | | confronting them. But some people thrive on stress. |
| have an impact on our health. | | | | This tends to show that the problem is not stress, but |
| Scientists have discovered that what you're thinking | | | | how we deal with it. |
| actually affects your physical health as well as your | | | | When we experience times of anxiety and fear, our |
| emotional well-being. Ulcers, indigestion, nervousness, | | | | brains release hormones as part of the fight-flight |
| high blood pressure and a wide variety of diseases | | | | syndrone to prepare us for dangerous situations. |
| can result from an injured immune system brought on | | | | When the body receives too many of these "danger" |
| by harmful thought patterns. | | | | messages from our brains, our disease-resistance |
| There are thoughts that heal and thoughts that hurt. | | | | systems are weakened. |
| If you read this article through to the end, you will | | | | Stressful situations seem to cause increased illnesses |
| discover an effective tool to enhance your emotional | | | | in those who consider themselves to be victims and |
| and physical health. | | | | who react with anxiety and frustration. |
| Here are five keys to emotional well-being: | | | | Others see stressful situations as opportunities to |
| 1. Emotions tag right along behind your thoughts, so | | | | overcome. So why not choose this positive approach |
| guard your mind carefully. | | | | yourself? |
| Your emotions can't tell if what you're thinking about is | | | | 4. Make the right friends. |
| really happening or if it's just an image in your head. | | | | Select people who are cheerful instead of depressed |
| Prove this to yourself by thinking back to when you | | | | for the majority of your friends. |
| watched a terrifying scene on television on in a movie. | | | | Emotions can be transferred almost by osmosis. |
| Even though you knew what you were watching | | | | Retired baseball Coach, John Scolinos (from California |
| wasn't actually happening, you were still scared - | | | | Polytechnic College, Pomona), used to tell his winning |
| weren't you? | | | | baseball players, "Show me who you're with and I'll tell |
| Here's something to consider. About ten minutes after | | | | you who you are." |
| you start to dwell on something, corresponding | | | | We need a positive social life that includes friends, |
| emotions will follow. | | | | close family members, churches and members of |
| We are what we eat - both physically and mentally. | | | | organizations. |
| Pay close attention to what you're feeding your mind. | | | | Those who have satisfying social lives enjoy improved |
| The books, television, movies, newspapers and even | | | | resistance to illness. |
| the jokes we hear enter into our lives and become | | | | 5. Let wisdom from the world's greatest book be your |
| part of us. | | | | guide. |
| So what's eating you? Examine what you're feeling | | | | "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit |
| and then ask yourself this question, "What have I been | | | | dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22 NIV). |
| thinking about recently?" | | | | "All the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful |
| If you have a garbage can for a head, life will look like | | | | heart has a continual feast." (Proverbs 15:15 NASV). |
| garbage to you. | | | | Want to jump-start your emotional health? Stop letting |
| 2. Learn to develop a cheerful attitude toward life. | | | | what's eating you hurt you and begin to enjoy life in a |
| Life can be painful, but it's possible to overcome. | | | | brand new way. |
| Choose to behave in a cheerful way as much as | | | | Copyright © 2004 by Patricia Wagner |
| possible even if you don't feel like it. You may be | | | | Publishing Guidelines: Feel free to use this article in your |
| surprised at what happens. Cheerfulness is contagious. | | | | newsletter or on your website as long as the author's |
| A positive attitude toward life may help ward off | | | | resource box, bylines and copyright are included. |
| sicknesses. Psychology Professor Sheldon Cohen | | | | Please make sure links within article and bylines are |
| (Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh) found that | | | | live and clickable. To request an HTML version - just |
| relaxed, happy people are less prone to catch colds | | | | send an email to wagner.. If you use this article, please |
| than unhappy, anxious people. | | | | send a brief message stating where it appeared. A |
| 3. Deal with stress as an opportunity to grow. | | | | courtesy copy would also be appreciated. THANKS. |
| Stress can be a killer. | | | | |