Happy people live longer and safer from less illness. This statement is supported by scientific research and daily observations. Hopelessness, inability to see bigger picture, constant worry about worst possible case scenario and low assessment of self worth are undermining natural abilities to heal.
When in acute need, humans, through stress reaction, are able to collect resources to accomplish survival task (flight or fight reaction). When real or perceived danger persists, the natural resilience resources decline and the person is at a higher risk of developing mental and physical problems.
Over the years I have admired how my patients were able to cope with various life stresses and also learned how some of the attitudes could become a mental trap that leads to more suffering and less health. This is what I learned
1. People tend to do better if they have something/somebody to care about.
2. Hope and joy come from within.
3. There is never downside in learning to understand what is it that you actually want.
4. Any feeling is valid.
5. Right actions can lead to better feelings
6. One always has a choice.