A happy attitude is free medicine

Smiles and being in happy state of mind may not only make for better personalities, improve the workplace environment, and help bring about positive outcomes; it may help people stay healthier.  A Columbia University study in Canada has researchers smiling too.

Researchers rated the happiness levels of more than 1,700 adults in that country with no heart problems in 1995. A decade later, 145 people had developed heart problems and happier people were less likely to have heart problems, the article continued.  For every point on the happiness scale, those studied were 22 percent less likely to have a heart problem. This was reported in an AP story by Maria Cheng out of London and published February 21, 2010.  The basis for the article was a study published online in the European Heart Journal.

This news is free medicine. An old poster I saw somewhere said that “…a smile costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give…A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.  It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble…”

The Lord does not want us to be sad. He wants us to be happy and rejoice in the life we have on earth and the life we can have in Heaven.    Psalms 144:15 says, “Happy are the people in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” Romans 14:22 states, “Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.” The advice given in the chapters of Good Book are designed for His people to be happy and satisfied with their lives, physically and mentally.

It makes sense that being happy can help our heart muscle stay healthy. Telling the truth and getting along with others helps reduce the stress in our lives. Happiness can also help the emotional heart at the same time. Smiling and keeping a happy attitude is free medicine for the whole body. To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of all.

Peace be you with always,

Rev. Paul Abernathy

Contact Paul Abernathy at paulabernathy@gmail.com.

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