27 Sep Happiness makes you healthier
Happiness makes you healthier
A recent study found that happy people may have a lower risk of disease.
Recently, researchers concluded that people with positive mental attitudes display different responses to stress. The findings correlated with similar studies saying that the same people are at a less likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes and depression.
Andrew Steptoe, a professor of psychology at University College London who led the research, said, “The evidence suggests that happier people have a reduced risk of various conditions.” He also explained that happier people use a different part of their nervous system, which slows their heart rate and allows them to recover more quickly from stress.
The research was based upon reports from both men and women on their daily feelings since 1985. In addition, researchers monitored blood pressure fluctuations after stressful situations.
Professor Steptoe said, “We found happier people recover more rapidly from stress than less happy individuals. This may be one of the mechanisms through which happier people are less prone to stress-related illness.”