Positive Attitude Improves Heart Health and Overall Well-being Claims WebMD, Mayo Clinic and NIH

Photo by anitapatterson

 "The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind." - Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Although you may not hear it from your doctor, the medical profession is becoming more in tune with the effect our mental state has on our physical well being. According to WebMD, at least two studies have confirmed that having a positive attitude and being optimistic about your future reduces your risk of a heart attack. Both studies followed subjects for 10 years before making these claims.

The Mayo Clinic  supports these findings and suggests that a positive attitude may increase life span, lower the rate of depression, build resistance to the common cold, reduce stress and reduce the the risk from cardiovascular disease.


The National Institute of Health (NIH) receives millions of dollars each year to fund research on mind-body interactions and health and funds research at smaller institutions studying the mind-body connections.

Clearly the practice of cultivating a positive attitude to improve health and well being is grounded in scientific fact and is not the fancy of  New Age movements looking for a feel good solution to life's difficulties.

Consider the scientific evidence and the work of the medical community that supports the health benefits of a positive attitude and an optimistic view of your future, today. Cultivating a positive attitude does more than make you feel good for a moment. It affects your entire body and your overall health.

Today, I am grateful for the ability to choose how I will view the world, for time to rest and time to work. I am grateful for the medical profession that seeks out the truth about the connections between the mind and body. I am grateful for the writings of Deepak Chopra, who opened my eyes to the incredible mind body connections in his book Quantum Healing: Exploring the Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you cultivate a positive attitude and look to your future with hope and optimism so  you may experience the joy of improved health and well being.