For decades the health industry has been focusing on what makes us sick. But in the past few years, there has been a change in that thinking. More often doctors are looking at what makes patients better and healthier. And research is supporting that approach. Scientists at Penn State University investigated how positive thinking can lead to healthier habits for patients with heart disease. They found that patients who reported higher positive psychological states were more likely to be physically active, sleep better and take their heart medications; they were also less likely to smoke, compared with patients demonstrating lower levels of positive states. The researchers suspect that people with greater positive well-being may be more motivated and persistent in pursuing healthy behaviors, which improves their long-term health.
Positive emotions help patients with heart disease improve long-term health
More of Today's Solutions
All city buildings in Chicago are now powered by renewable energy
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Chicago entered 2024 with a landmark achievement: every one of its 411 municipal buildings, from City Hall to ...
Read MoreHow unique leopard calls could impact conservation
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Leopards, renowned for their stealth and solitary nature, have always been challenging to study. However, groundbreaking research revealed that ...
Read MoreThese solar-powered barges can scoop up 50 tons of plastic from rivers each day
While removing the plastic waste that currently contaminates the ocean today will be crucial for protecting marine ecosystems, it is arguably more important that ...
Read MoreWashington’s first human compost company is open for business
Washington passed a law in 2019 allowing citizens to compost themselves after death for a more sustainable burial process. Fast forward a year later ...
Read More
