Have the Happiest Year of Your Life Part 4:
Don't Worry Be Happy – Your Health May Depend on it!

Don't Worry Be Happy – Your Health May Depend on it!

By Dr. Nancy Mramor

Although most people aspire to happiness, very few realize that there are neural pathways through which happiness winds it&'s way into the body and brain. The immune system is often the system of the body most rapidly and most dramatically affected by the mood. The endocrine, muscular and digestive systems are not far behind. Vitamin deficiencies caused by stress begin to drain the rest of the body. When happiness goes out the window and stress flies in, the entire health of the person is jeopardized.

In Martin Seligman's book Authentic Happiness, he explains that optimism is a choice that can become a habit through repetition. So what is a person to do? One thing not to do is to pretend to be happy. Don't suppress negative emotions by putting on a mask of happy ones. Instead, choose happy thoughts and reframe the current situation. Make a choice to view things in your life positively. But don't think the doubts will not reoccur. When they do, acknowledge them, take a deep breath. Release them with each exhale. When they have been released, think of ways you might reframe the current situation. Choose an optimistic approach and think of ways to move forward from the positive belief or idea. Being happy is something that can be learned and kept as a habit for good!

The June E-zine looks at ways that laughter and humor increase happiness and health. Seeing the humor in situations in life is a way of choosing happiness. Research shows conclusively that laughter, along with deep breathing, guided imagery, yoga, hypnosis, psychotherapy and moving the body is positive ways can all heal the mind and body from stress that blocks happiness. Authors, Bonnie Budzowski and Trina Hess have come to the rescue to show you how laughter works. They will explain the chemistry of laughter, the many effects it has in your life and suggestions for incorporating it into every day living. Once you see how easy it can be, you will be able to apply the science of laughter into your happiness raising it to new levels.

One of the best sources for laughter on a moment's notice is your television set. One of my colleagues once admitted that he watched reruns of "Third Rock From The Sun," Others admit to needing a dose of Monty Python or Seinfeld. They choose comedy because the jokes move quickly and affect you before you know what hit you. That's a good thing when laughter is what you seek! See Dr. Nancy's RxTV to the column in the right side of the E-zne for ways to apply the science of laughter through TV to your life. And now heeeeeeeeeeeeere's Bonnie:

NEXT: Bonnie Budzowski's Article: Discover Your Simple Power to Increase Happiness

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Related E-Zine Topics

• Don't Worry Be Happy – Your Health May Depend on it!
• Discover Your Simple Power to Increase Happiness
• Change is Painful but Humor Can Help!
• List of Resources
• Dr Nancy's RxTV
• Coming Events
• Sign Up Now for the Happiness E-Zine