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37 - The Power of Positivity

from Part IV - Caring For Your Soul

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 June 2023

Marcy Cottrell Houle  and
Elizabeth Eckstrom
By
Elizabeth Eckstrom
Elizabeth Eckstrom
Affiliation:
Oregon Health and Science University
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Summary

Positivity. This one attribute can predict one’s ability to bounce back from life’s inevitable stresses. Taking time to learn skills to self-generate positive emotions will help us become healthier, more resilient, and more connected to others and the world around us. Attitudes are more important than facts. Strong mind/body connection. Possessing greater optimism can lower the risk of developing chronic diseases. Pessimism increases inflammation in the body. Activates a “fight or flight” response in our system, which over time can wear our bodies down. 40% of happiness is under our control. Chapter details eight strategies to help foster positive emotions. Research shows having faith and a strong spiritual life can amplify our longevity and happiness. How we respond to aging is more than circumstances. It is a choice we can make in our minds.

Keywords

PositivitySelf-generate positive emotionsLinks between our outlook and healthMind/body connectionPessimism increases inflammationCultivating positivity boosts immune systemStrategies to foster positive emotionsFaithStrong spiritual life
Type
Chapter
Information
The Gift of Aging
Growing Older with Purpose, Planning and Positivity
 , pp. 253 - 256
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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