How positive thinking can improve your health

This Week's Tip How positive thinking can improve your health Optimism comes from the Latin word optimus, meaning "best," which describes how an optimistic person is always looking for the best in any situation and expecting good things to happen. Optimism is the tendency to believe, expect or hope that things will turn out well. Even if something bad happens, like the loss of a job, or an unfortunate medical diagnosis. Research shows that optimism may be good for my physical health too—optimists are sick less and live longer than pessimists. Apparently, a positive outlook on life strengthens the immune system (and the body's defenses against illness), cardiovascular system (optimists have fewer heart attacks), and the body's ability to handle stress. So how can you reap the benefits of a positive outlook, even when you tend to view the glass as half empty? 7 Good Reasons to Smile Today » More Tips for Heart Health » Heart Friendly Recipe Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo Parsley and capers add flavor to this veggie-packed, heart-healthy dish. Get the Recipe See More Healthy Heart Recipes » Nutritional Info Servings Per Recipe: 4  Amount Per Serving  Calories: 337.7 Total Fat: 4.1 g Cholesterol: 70.2 mg Sodium: 451.5 mg Total Carbs: 39.3 g   Dietary Fiber: 3.4 g Protein: 34.0 g View full nutritional breakdown of Mediterranean Chicken with Orzo by ingredient Join the movement by clicking the link below to earn your SparkPoints, or connecting with SparkPeople in one of these other ways: UNSUBSCRIBE © 2017 SparkPeople, Inc. All rights reserved. Terms | Privacy | Manage Emails