It’s Good for your Body

Research on positive emotions is limited, as most research only looks at the impact of negative emotions and stress. The studies that we do have suggested many benefits to your health, such as lower blood pressure, reduced risk for heart disease, healthier weight, better blood sugar levels, and longer life.

Not to say that there isn’t a place in life for negative emotions, everything has a purpose in the right situations. The key is finding a balance between the two extremes.

The positive emotions fight against depressive symptoms and help alleviate people from stress, which there have been many studies done on the ailments it can cause.

Happy Actions Lead to Happy Thoughts

So how do I start living on the sunny side of life? Is it as easy as “think happy thoughts,” as Peter Pan would say? Taking walks in nature, meditation, and having an open and warmhearted mentality are some great starters to get your thoughts right.

Clearing your head of the everyday stressors and focusing on the beautiful things around you is an excellent start to getting on the right track to happiness.

Friends Help with Optimism

You can also reach out more often to your friends and family to feel more socially connected. Social connectivity gives our brains the warm fuzzy feelings without much effort, as you typically are happier around other people.

The psychological benefits of just having a brighter outlook make a big difference in your everyday life. You sleep better and maintain a higher level of antioxidants.

All you need to do is take some time to think about the positive things in your life and appreciate them. It becomes a habit before you know it, and you don’t even need to force it.

The post Think Positively. It Can Improve Your Health appeared first on Quick Med Care.

We are going to dive into the psychological effects that a steady stream of news can have on your mental health.

Bad News Draws You In

Humans are naturally drawn to negative news. Your brain is simply built with a greater sensitivity to unpleasant news.

Journalists use sensationalized verbiage and emotionally powerful visuals to gain and maintain a broad audience over their competitors.

While traumatic events will gain their proper coverage, this means that on slower news weeks minor events will positioned in the media as front line news.

Negative News is Like Candy for the Brain

Now, this is all well and fine; we are drawn to this type of news, so what’s the big deal?

When you’re exposed to news, journalists will draw you in with an emotional connection; either positive or negative. These emotional influences affect your day-to-day thoughts and decision making.

Unfortunately, the positive thoughts and feelings that we gain from the news are fleeting; they can come and go in a blink of an eye. Negative news has a lasting effect on us emotionally, which is why our brains are more drawn to it.

Take a Step Away From the News

These negative feelings stem from verbal and visual cues in the media, which is especially harmful. While we do not identify images of violence as threatening, we will still internalize negative emotions, like sadness and anxiety.

Online media outlets are constantly updating news and headlines, which we have access to via our phones and digital devices. The news will not singularly cause a psychological disorder, but if you are prone to them, you will react more strongly to what you see in the media.

During these already stressful times, it can be a good reminder to limit your exposure to the news. Take a breath, get some fresh air, go for a walk, get away from it all and give your mind the break it needs. 

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