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Health & Fitness

Choose happiness as a path to better health

By Valerie Minard

Who knew Martha was right-- Martha Washington that is?  She said, “I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.”

Researchers Yuna L. Ferguson of Knox College and Kennon M. Sheldon of the University of Missouri would agree with Martha.  Their studies found that simply trying to be happy improves well being.

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In one of their experiments, they divided 167 college students into two groups where they each listened to Copland’s “Rodeo” which is considered uplifting or “happy” music.  During the same time, Group one was instructed to make a conscious choice to feel happier.  While Group two was "asked to avoid exerting a conscious effort to increase their mood and to relax and passively observe their natural reactions instead."

Results showed that participants in group one, who made an effort to be happier, experienced a happier state of mind than those who were passive.  According to Ferguson and Sheldon, “'This demonstrates that the combination of intentions and proper method is important in raising positive mood."

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Happiness is not only good for the spirit but the body as well. Studies by Dr. Ed Diener, University of Illino Gallup Organization, of Princeton, N.J., corroborates this.  “Feeling positive about your life, not stressed out, not depressed,” Diener said, “contributes to both longevity and better health among healthy populations.”

Conversely, negativity, depression, and a general lack of enjoyment in life are associated with higher rates of disease and a shorter life.

So exactly how do we achieve happiness?  According to psychologist Martin Seligman, Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, “60 percent of happiness is determined by our genetics and environment, the remaining 40 percent is up to us.”

While the “up to us” part may seem like a tall order, there are a few habits one can cultivate to develop a joyful attitude.

•Be grateful. Reminding ourselves of all the good in our lives is a good step towards eliminating negativity.

•Giving in service to others, without strings attached, adds to self-worth and meaning in life. It also has health benefits.  According to several studies, people who volunteer are happier and healthier than those who don’t volunteer.

•Strengthening personal relationships by being more consciously present in the moment widens our circle of friends.  Giving our full attention to others, with focused listening, leads to more meaningful interactions.

But really, at the heart of the matter, doesn’t true happiness boil down to cultivating our spiritual nature - with qualities like gratitude, generosity, and love? Nineteenth century spirituality/health author and Bible scholar Mary Baker Eddy believed this. She writes in her book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it.”

Eddy also gave this advise, “If you wish to be happy, argue with yourself on the side of happiness; take the side you wish to carry, and be careful not to talk on both sides, or to argue stronger for sorrow than for joy. You are the attorney for the case, and will win or lose according to your plea.” Each of us has an ability to choose which thoughts we entertain.  And just like a gardener we can weed out the negative thoughts that don’t fit with those spiritual qualities.

Developing a regular spiritual practice of weeding our mental garden, either through meditation or prayer is one way to do it. Ellen L. Idler, Ph.D., author of "The Psychological and Physical Benefits of Spiritual/Religious Practices,” encourages taking time for the sacred.  She writes “Transcendent spiritual and religious experiences have a positive, healing, restorative effect, especially if they are “built in,” so to speak, to one’s daily, weekly, seasonal, and annual cycles of living.”

Even if happiness right now seems to be illusive, argue on the side of happiness.  Martha Washington did this and shared her secret with us. If Martha could do it, so can we.

Valerie is a health and spirituality blogger.  She is also the media and legislative spokesperson for Christian Science in New Jersey, and a Christian Science practitioner.  

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