Think Positive in 2007! It Can Perk Up Your Health and Well-Being

New year, new you! As a new year begins, you may see and hear this phrase repeatedly. But what are you really thinking as you put a new calendar on the wall? Do you look at it as a fresh, clean slate to fill with exciting experiences, or do you sigh and mutter, "Same old, same old..."?

How you perceive this new beginning - and your life in general - can affect your overall health. According to researchers at Yale University, people with a positive outlook live 7.5 years longer than those with a gloomy view of the future. If you take an optimistic approach, you may be doing your mind and body a favor. A less positive outlook can have a negative impact on your mental and physical health. The following tips can help you persuade your thoughts, emotions and actions to work for you, not against you.

Mind over Matter
No matter if you have a glass-half-full or a glass-half-empty point of view, there's an automatic stream of thoughts moving through your head every day. This automatic thinking is known as self-talk. During the day, stop and evaluate what you're thinking. If you find that your thoughts are negative, try to put a positive twist on them.

Set Realistic Goals
Many people make New Year's resolutions, but sticking to them, especially if they're too ambitious or too general ("lose weight" or "save more money") can be difficult. Don't set yourself up for disappointment. Instead, use this technique of positive thinkers: set smaller goals on a regular basis. This approach is more realistic, and you'll be more likely to achieve goals and stay motivated. Try these guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association and the National Institutes of Health:

• Make sure it's what you want. Don't set a goal based on what your friends or family want – you have to have the passion to achieve it.
• Put your plan in writing. Choose a goal that is specific, attainable and forgiving. Instead of "exercise more," write "walk 30 minutes, five days a week."
• Start simple. Work your way up to longer-range goals. If your goal is to buy a home, break it into smaller stages: 1) save $xxx a month toward a down payment, 2) ask for real estate and loan provider recommendations from family and friends, 3) research the area where you want to buy, etc. – you get the idea.
• Keep your eyes on the prize. Visualize yourself reaching a goal. If you can imagine yourself getting a new job, that's the first step to having the confidence to make it happen.
• Tell others. Talking about your goal can help you achieve it. If you tell friends and family you're going to drop a clothing size in time for summer, they'll be more likely to help you by suggesting healthy eating plans or offering to take a walk with you.
• Don't expect perfection. Some days you may fall off track. You're only human, and remember that life happens even while you're busy making other plans. Review your goal and make adjustments if necessary.
• Reward yourself. When you achieve your goal, don't let it go by unnoticed! Treat yourself to something that will make you happy - a new CD, a massage or a movie night with a friend.

A Healthy Balance
Just as eating healthy foods, moving your body and avoiding health risks such as smoking can enhance your physical health, so can positive thinking. And even though changes likely won't happen overnight, it's a new year, and your calendar holds many hours, days, weeks and months to practice positive self-talk and set attainable goals. While you're looking at your calendar, remember to schedule your annual physical - your doctor can help you create a plan to be happy and healthy.

Self-Talk: Turn a Frown Upside Down

Believing in yourself paves the way for self-acceptance and self-improvement rather than self-criticism. A positive state of mind can help you handle everyday stress in a constructive way, and in time your family, friends and co-workers will take notice. What's more, your body may reap the health benefits of being an optimist.

The Upsides of Optimism
Several studies have found that positive thinking can have health benefits. Effects of optimism may include:

• Lower stress
• Better coping skills
• Living longer
• Reduced risk for stroke and coronary artery disease
• Greater resistance to catching the common cold
• Breathing easier if you have a respiratory condition such as emphysema

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