Many of us don’t realize how important it is to maintain a positive attitude. A positive attitude takes conscious effort, but choosing to be thankful and count life’s blessings rather than dwelling on misfortunes will have long-lasting effects. The mind/body connection is intimate. When one part of the body is affected, the other parts are also affected. The state of your mind affects your health more than you might think.

 

Many of today’s health complaints are the result of an unhealthy state of mind. Grief, anxiety, discontent, guilt, and distrust wear down your mind and promote poor health. Studies have found that negative feelings can amplify health concerns.¹

 

On the other hand, courage, hope, faith, sympathy, and love encourage health and vitality. A content mind and cheerful spirit is health to the body and strength to the soul. You can achieve spiritual, physical, and emotional success through a positive mental attitude.

 

The Impact Thoughts Can Have on Health

Does the way we think really have the ability to positively or negatively influence our health? Through self control and maintaining a positive attitude, patients can do much to cooperate with the doctor’s efforts towards recovery. Often those who are sick can resist deterioration and disease by refusing to remain inactive. In spite of their pain, patients should participate in useful activities suited to their strength. Through exercise and the use of fresh air and sunlight, many have recovered their health and strength.

 

No matter your ability, God loves you and understands what you are experiencing. If you are in pain, or facing something which makes it difficult to think clearly, rest in God’s love. He understands your weakness, and He will provide the strength you need to face your trials (1 Corinthians 10:13). 

 

Science has shown the health benefits of a healthy mental attitude.² Researchers have discovered that there is a lower mortality rate among those with a positive psychological state³ and that there is even a connection between mental health and cardiovascular health.⁴ 

 

 

However, what if you’re not happy but you fake it? A study was done on the effect a forced smile can have. This study found that people who took part in stressful activities while smiling did better than those who weren’t smiling.⁵ 

 

 

The Placebo Effect

While there are many studies that show the health benefits of having a positive mental attitude, one of the most interesting pieces of evidence is the placebo effect. Placebos are commonly used in drug studies that test the efficacy of new medicines. One group is given the new drug while the other group receives a useless look-alike. Placebo subjects often report results as good or better than those receiving the real medicine. This goes to show the powerful influence that mental outlook has on physical health. Attitude can make the difference in perception of pain or recovery from a major illness.

 

Influence of Negative Self Talk

We live in a world of suffering. Bad things happen to everyone in life. But we can make our burdens much heavier by allowing ourselves to think anxious thoughts. When we anticipate trouble, we bring misery to ourselves and negatively affect those around us. Instead of focusing on the unpleasant parts of life, we should look beyond to the unseen and eternal.

 

When we think about the future, we should not allow ourselves to imagine what difficulties and troubles might await us. God tells us through the Bible, 

 

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

- Matthew 6:34

 

Whatever our situation, God will be there to comfort and guide us. He will never forsake us, no matter what we do. There is no sorrow, no grievance, no human weakness, for which God has not provided a remedy. 

 

When we focus on God’s love, His peace will fill the soul. Anxiety and distress will cease. Contemplating our blessings will refresh our minds. When our minds are at ease, our bodies will respond in a positive way.

 

Taking Responsibility

In addition to choosing to maintain a healthy attitude, it’s important to take responsibility for your health. Part of this involves accepting that your health outcomes may not always be positive. Even if you do everything right,  you may sometimes get sick or experience pain or discomfort. It’s important to be at peace no matter what happens. This is not possible without help from God. However, many have discovered the “peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:6) by learning to trust the One who knows us better than we know ourselves and wants to spend eternity with us.  With God’s help and your patience and persistence you can change your attitude so that you can experience peace even in the midst of chaos and crisis.  Nevertheless, you must do everything in your power to align your lifestyle with principles that will encourage good health. Remember that your choices have consequences and God doesn’t often miraculously intervene, though sometimes He does. A law of the universe is, You reap what you sow. Paul put it this way, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

 

So do your part and God will do His. Just because you could get sick doesn’t mean you have to, and following the 8 laws of health will greatly reduce your risk of experiencing unpleasant health issues. When you follow the 8 laws of health, you will experience a better quality of life. 

 

God Will Help You

Even when we make mistakes, God does not forsake us. We don’t ever need to feel that we are alone. Angels are always beside us. God has promised “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). He hears every cry for help and will provide the strength we need to face life’s difficulties. We never need to feel despondent or discouraged, because God does not expect us to face life’s troubles on our own. Take time to get to know Him and you will discover that you can trust Him.

 

When you feel discouraged or overwhelmed, try to redirect your thoughts. Recall the blessings in your life. Think about the good things God has done for you. When we enter into communion with Christ, we enter a place of peace. 

 

Practicing an Attitude of Gratitude

Nothing is better for physical, spiritual, and emotional health than an attitude of gratitude. The Bible says, “In every thing give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Instead of focusing on our difficulties and troubles, find something to be thankful for. Each new day comes with fresh blessings. Recalling these gifts will awaken praise in our hearts for God’s loving care, and uplift mind and body.

 

 

Each morning, thank God that He has kept you through the night. Thank Him for the gift of peace. Try to find something to be grateful for during the day. Researchers are investigating the effect of gratitude on health, and some studies have found that gratitude may improve your health.⁶

 

It’s common to pray for those who are suffering or discouraged. But while we offer prayer for others who are less fortunate or in need, we should encourage them to find some way to help others rather than only focusing on their misfortunes.

 

If you are sick, sad, or lonely, try to find a way to give to others. Giving is a law of mental well-being. When we’re struggling it’s easy to focus on ourselves. But thinking about the needs of others and trying to help them will give us the strength we need to heal. No matter how small the act or gesture may be, when you share sympathy or kindness, you will be encouraged and uplifted. Open your heart to God’s love and share it with others.

 

Consciously choosing to do right will be a blessing to the mind and body. When you feel that you have done your duty well, or helped someone, you will be encouraged and refreshed. Your mind will be at peace, and your body will respond in a positive way. The Gospel of Luke says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you…for with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)

 

Begin making these changes one step at a time. Over time, a healthy attitude will become habitual. By continually making an effort to focus on good thoughts, and finding a way to share your blessings with others, you can enjoy success through a positive mental attitude.