Written By: Naz Haider | Updated : September 27, 2015 11:43 AM IST
Smile.
Yes, smile. Don't you feel lighter instantly!
Smiling, being happy actually, does more than just lighten up your mood. It is not just vital for your psychological and emotional well-being [1] but offers a number of benefits for your heart as well! Doesn't add together? How can an emotion you feel benefit your heart -- an organ whose job is to filter and pump blood. Read on to find out. Also, here are 6 natural remedies for a healthy heart.
How does happiness translate to healthy?
B. L. Fredrickson's Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions states that a feeling of happiness and peace helps a person live healthy, with lesser chances of falling sick [1]. This is possibly the reason why positive psychology intervention has shown positive impact on acute cardiovascular disease patients. In another study [2] it was found that cardiac patients benefitted from positive psychological intervention and showed improved level of happiness (as assessed with Subjective Happiness Scale). You should definitely try these 10 things that guarantee a healthy heart.
So what does this mean for your heart?
As shown by these studies, being happy and feeling positive has definite effects on the heart. While we ensure that our diet is well balanced and we eat the right things to keep our heart, body and mind healthy, why not try something as simple as being happy? Another study [3] proves that happiness positively affects cardiac activities while stress does the opposite. Seems like the song, 'Don't worry, be happy' is the healthiest of all! Being happy can also lower your blood pressure -- click here to know how.
While happiness means different things for different people, there are a few ways to get your daily dose of happy! Not just your heart, being happy is good news for your overall well being.
Here are a few suggestions
1. Find a hobby: Ever heard the saying, 'An empty mind is a devil's workshop?' A hobby keeps you busy and helps you use your time productively. Do what fancies you! Gardening, crafts, cycling, dancing or simply trying new (healthy) food, find an activity that keeps you intrigued and happily engaged. The sense of accomplishment or creating something will definitely keep you happy.
2. Spend time with family: And friends too. Basically, people you like and care for. Make plans with them and for them. Catch up with what's happening in their lives and relive some old memories. Isn't just thinking about it making you happy!
3. Engage in a social cause: The feeling of being a catalyst of change, no matter how small, being able to provide for someone, to bring a smile on a sad face or giving a helping hand to support someone in need -- all this will definitely fill you with happiness and peace. Think of it like this -- happiness is like a boomerang, the more happiness you give out, the same will come back to you.
4. Be wild: Want to watch TV all day long? Do that! Fancy enough to colour your hair blue? Do that too. Once in a while, give in to your 'crazy' side and do exactly what your heart desires. Trust me, nothing will make you happier!
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References:
1. 1. Fredrickson, B. L., Cohn, M. A., Coffey, K. A., Pek, J., & Finkel, S. M. (2008). Open Hearts Build Lives: Positive Emotions, Induced Through Loving-Kindness Meditation, Build Consequential Personal Resources. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(5), 1045 1062. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0013262
2. Huffman, J. C., Mastromauro, C. A., Boehm, J. K., Seabrook, R., Fricchione, G. L., Denninger, J. W., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2011). Development of a positive psychology intervention for patients with acute cardiovascular disease. Heart International, 6(2), e14. https://doi.org/10.4081/hi.2011.e14
3. Lane, R. D., Reis, H. T., Peterson, D. R., Zareba, W., & Moss, A. J. (2009). Happiness and Stress Alter Susceptibility to Cardiac Events in Long QT Syndrome. Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology : The Official Journal of the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology, Inc,14(2), 193 200. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1542-474X.2009.00295.x
