Positive Thinking Can Promote Healing

The following is a guest blog by Melanie Bowen.

Maintaining a positive outlook can play an important role in helping to live a happier, healthier and longer life.  That is particularly important if you are facing a serious illness such as a cancer diagnosis.

As people age, it often takes more effort to engage in physical and/or social activities.  Yet those who participate in physical activities are not only supporting good physical health, but also good mental health as well.  

Additionally, when people join group activities, they build important social relationships that help them to feel connected and happier.  Engaging in desired activities with others and staying active into the later years is an important part of aging well and staying healthy.

People who have active minds and a positive outlook tend to live longer.  Some people are just naturally more optimistic while others have to work harder to respond positively to situations.  

Finding the positive in life situations can go a long way to support health and wellness.  Even in the face of illness, positive thinking can have a significant effect on the body.  

While nothing can fully prepare someone for a medical diagnosis such as cancer, working to stay positive is very important while undergoing treatment. Even with a diagnosis of mesothelioma, patients who try hard to maintain a positive attitude are better equipped to fight the disease. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is actually extremely prevalent in senior citizens, so when a diagnosis of a cancer like this arises in life; how is someone mentally and physically supposed to deal with such grim news?

Eating a healthy diet and getting proper exercise are an important part of aging well and combating illness and disease such as cancer.  Along with these healthy lifestyle habits, making a conscious effort to maintain a positive attitude is a significant part of healthy aging.  

Learning to have a positive mental attitude can help to maintain a healthy energy level and mood.  Thinking positively also can improve stress management and coping skills, and can increase confidence to provide the courage necessary to overcome obstacles.

 
Regardless of the situation, those who are driven to keep moving forward and strive to maintain a positive attitude will generally have the best odds when working through personal struggles including illness.  Being surrounded by vibrant people provides the support and motivation along the way.  Staying connected to others and engaging in enjoyable activities adds to a happy life through the years and helps when coping with difficult situations faced on life’s journey.

Just because you may not be able to stay active like you once were in your youthful years, don’t get discouraged. Healthy living resides truly in the mind; a healthy mind creates a healthy person.

Don’t let anything take away from your happiness, even something as alarming as cancer. As we age, one of the main things we have to look forward to is our happiness. Grow in light, positivity and hope that the future will always remain bright with love. 

Melanie joined the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance in 2011 as an awareness advocate for natural health and cancer cure initiatives. You will often find her highlighting the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness. She also assists in social media outreach in my efforts to spread awareness. Contact her at melanielbowen@gmail.com.