The surprising link between happiness and heart health

If asked, “What lifestyle choices increase your odds of having a healthy heart?” many of us would probably talk about the importance of eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and going nicotine-free.

But often overlooked in the role of cardiovascular well-being is happiness. Being happy doesn’t just make us feel better — it improves our health.

Being happy can help us eat healthier, be more active and sleep better. And when happiness leads to these and other healthy behaviors, it can also help stave off high blood pressure and excess body fat, resulting in lower risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Several studies have linked an optimistic mindset to lower risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as a lower risk of death. This effect of happiness on heart health underscores its wider benefits of overall well-being. A positive state of mind is also a vital part of wellness programs for people who are dealing with heart disease and other conditions.

And cultivating positivity and optimism is one way to help boost happiness.

Is happiness a choice?

According to Harvard Medical School, about half our level of happiness is based on genes. Some people are just predisposed to be happier and more upbeat than others. But that doesn’t mean we can’t increase our level of happiness. In fact, research has suggested that 40% of people’s happiness comes from the choices they make.

The good news is that we can learn to focus on positive thinking. The tips that help us move toward that glass-half-full mindset will differ from person to person. But as with the effort it takes to establish any new habit, it just takes practice, consistency and time.

How to focus on positive thinking

Finding even small ways to increase your ability to see the world in a more positive way can be beneficial to your health.

Here are a few tips on ways to think and behave in a more positive and optimistic way.

Practice positive self-talk

To practice positive self-talk, start with this simple rule: Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. Be encouraging and gentle with yourself. When a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally. Think about things in your life you’re thankful for.

Identify areas to change

Think about an area of your life that you usually think negatively about. There must be one positive aspect to it — a silver lining. Focus on that.

Check yourself

Periodically during the day, stop and evaluate what and how you’ve been thinking. If your thoughts are mostly negative, try to find a way to put a positive spin on them.

Follow a healthy lifestyle

Try to get about 30 minutes of exercise in on most days of the week. Or break it into a couple of 10-minute chunks during the day. Exercise can improve your mood and reduce stress. Follow a healthy diet to nourish your mind and body. Get enough sleep and learn ways to manage stress such as deep breathing or meditation.

Be open to humor

Especially during difficult times, tell yourself it’s OK to smile or laugh at the humor in everyday happenings. When you can laugh at life, you might feel less stressed.

Stay connected

There’s a strong association between happiness and close relationships with family, friends and social circles. The mental and emotional stimulation we get from personal connection are mood boosters, while too much isolation can have the opposite effect. Focus on positive relationships and minimize your interactions with the negative people in your life.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t turn into an eternal optimist overnight. With practice, your self-talk will eventually contain less self-criticism and more self-acceptance. And with that, you may see the world around you in a brighter way.

When your mindset is generally optimistic, you’re better able to weather everyday stress. And that ability may contribute to the health benefits of positive thinking and happiness.