Ebook Sample Content Preview:
You know that positive thinking improves your mental health. But did you know It can also improve your physical health? The power of your thoughts is so strong, it can actually affect the way your body behaves and improve a host of physical ailments- or even bring you from the brink of death.
Take Christopher Reeve. The actor who will be forever remembered for his powerful performance as Superman will also be remembered for his remarkable recovery after a horse-riding accident left him completely paralyzed. Yet not only did Reeve live far longer
than any doctor predicted, he made great strides toward recovery and was able to move parts of his body that were pronounced forever lost to him before his death in 2004. Reeve survived for nine years after the accident and proved he truly was a superman.
How did he do it? Positive thinking. According to researchers who analyzed his case, Reeve's optimistic attitude and can-do mindset were almost entirely responsible for the unparalleled level of recovery he experienced.
When you banish negative thoughts from your mind, your physical health responds tremendously. It has long been known that there is a correlation between emotional and physical health; often referred to as the "mind-body connection." Improving your outlook and practicing positive thinking strengthens your mind-body connection and makes you healthy, even to the point of extending your life.
Studies have shown that depression and negative thought decreases antibodies and leaves you more open to infection and disease. Those who are unhappy or stressed exhibit weaker immune responses to vaccines; take longer to heal; are more susceptible to colds and viruses; and experience stronger symptoms.
There is documented scientific evidence that electrical activity in the brain related to emotion has a direct effect on the body's ability to heal and fights off disease. Negative thoughts produce a surge of activity in the right prefrontal cortex, which brings about a weak immune response; while positive thoughts produce activity in the left prefrontal cortex and strengthens immune response. It is true: happy people are healthier, simply because they are happy!
A positive thought program may also possess the ability to protect you from Alzheimer's or other degenerative aging diseases. Because part of the process of positive thinking involves a continual quest for self-improvement and encourages you to stay mentally active, your mind will be in better shape as you age and you will be less susceptible to degenerative disease such as Alzheimer's, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. A sharp mind helps to maintain a sharp body.
Don’t underestimate the power of positive thinking in regards to your own health. You can think yourself healthy; and you will find that you have more energy, fewer colds, and an increased vitality. Perhaps some day, science will discover a way to inject happiness as a means to combat disease. Until then, we will have to be responsible for creating our own happiness.