Healthy and Happy Go Hand-In-Hand

Health isn’t just defined by the absence of disease – more than 60 years ago, the World Health Organization defined health as a “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” I’m Wendy Corr, and in today’s Wellness Tip, I’ll bring you ideas that can help improve your overall happiness!

There is more and more evidence coming out that shows that when you’re happy, you’re less likely to be physically ill. But which comes first – if you’re happy, then you’re healthy? Or, if you’re healthy, then you’re happy?

Research has shown that positive attitudes may be associated with less stress, and inflammation, and more resilience to infection, but if you have a positive attitude, you may also choose to smoke less, exercise more, drink less, and sleep better.

In either case, it’s clear that if you’re happier, you’re healthier. So how can you increase your happiness daily?

Author Gretchen Rubin decided a few years ago to start a “Happiness Project.” Here are some of the key ideas she came up with after a year of deliberately chasing happiness:

First, you start with the basics, like going to sleep at a decent hour and not letting yourself get too hungry. Don’t always air every irritation that you feel – that can amplify the bad feelings and reinforce the negative.

Rubin also says that trying something new, and not being afraid to fail, are key elements to happiness – the brain is stimulated by novelty and challenges. She also discovered that trying to drown the blues with “treats” like ice cream or alcohol only left her feeling worse afterwards.

Don’t be afraid to spend some money on material items that would make you happy, like traveling to visit family or purchasing that new camera you’ve been looking at. On the flip side, don’t insist on the best – Rubin says sometimes good enough is good enough.

Exercise boosts endorphins, which influence our mood – even a ten minute walk can make you feel better! But most of all, take action. Rubin says that about 40 percent of your happiness level is within your control – so take conscious steps to make your life happier.

Thanks for tuning in to Wellness with Wendy! I’m a certified holistic nutritionist, a mom, an entertainer and a radio personality – so finding balance is the key to my life. I love sharing tips and tricks to help you live your best life – so for more health and wellness news and advice, follow my blog on mybighornbasin.com. See you again next time for Wellness with Wendy!