Happiness and healthiness go hand in hand. A healthy body, mind and soul is a happy body, too. On the same note, when you are unhealthy it is hard to be very happy. But people do persevere. Even in the worst of diseases and illnesses, many people can find the bright side of life. They look for the positive in the rubble of the negative. Although suffering from their illnesses, these remarkable people choose a positive attitude over a negative one.

Studies have shown that negative emotions and thoughts harm the body. Long-term stress and fear can alter biological systems and over time can cause illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Chronic anger and anxiety can interfere with the heart’s electrical functions and lead to cardiac disease. Have you ever felt your heart race when you are scared or angry? Your stomach too, may begin to hurt due to the release of certain hormones that are released by the body when it is stressed. These negative emotions have a harmful effect on your body.

Striving to live a healthy lifestyle can make you very happy. Of course, it won’t ensure happiness, as there are many other areas of your life that factor into your own personal equation of happiness. However, all preferences aside, living a healthy lifestyle means fewer colds and illnesses, less bloating and gas, less times waiting on food or being hungry and building the body you always wanted.

Living a healthy lifestyle means never having to say you are sorry. You automatically forgive yourself and those around you so that you can live a life of true grace and beauty. You will be amazed at how wonderful you can feel when you let go of negative feelings and embrace love and forgiveness. This also applies to your diet and exercise efforts. Be happy with your achievements but don’t ever stop trying. Let patience and persistence be your guiding mantra. Remembering to be patient with your body and persistent in your efforts.

I strive for health and happiness every day. My husband and children remind me of how important my health is to my family and how grateful I am for their health, too. When I focus on all that we have to be thankful for, I feel all my stress and anxiety melt away. I do believe there is a direct connection between health and happiness, and I am so happy to be healthy and truly want you to be healthy and happy, too.