Doctors and psychologists are unanimous
It is
important to be happy. No matter what the problem is, happiness is a necessary
ingredient in any recuperative process. Study after study shows that happiness
and health work parallel to each other. Scientists have discovered that people
who are happy have better health. Their immune system works better under less
stress.
People with a good sense of humor are often in a
good mood, and are generally happier.
What about joint pain? It plays havoc with every
moment of your life. The pain soils the mood and causes great stress. Your body
reminds you at every moment that it has lost its youthful vigor. It is becoming
old. In a sense, pain becomes a reminder of your ultimate mortality. You feel
weak and angry. You don’t want to meet your friends. Their laughter hurts you. You
are not at all happy. But you must try to be happy.
It’s in the genes
The human genome can differentiate between various
kinds of happiness. Research has shown that genes of people with a sense of humor
are better at fighting diseases and repelling infection. Genes of people with
high levels of happiness function better by keeping inflationary gene
expressions low while keeping antiviral and antibody expression high.
Inflammation is also kept low, which means that there is less chance of
contracting numerous diseases.
It’s in yourblood
A vast amount of medical literature suggests an
integral link between negative emotions and ill health. Sustained stress, fear
or prolonged depression can alter the way biological systems function. Negative
mood affects the natural rhythms of your body. Over time, such systemic
disarray builds up stress and can lead to wear and tear. Eventually, it adds up
to heart disease, diabetes and even stroke. Chronic pain has harmful effects on
the brain. It causes a faster heart rate, higher blood pressure and an increase
in stress hormones
Effects of unhappiness
1. Prolonged dejection causes abrupt gain or loss in body
weight. One becomes dependent on fatty “comfort food” or one avoids food
altogether.
2. Depression-related stress can lead to high bloodpressure. Your heart is under constant stress.
3.Unhappiness is tiring. You don’t feel like taking up
or completing any task. You feel disheartened. Unhappiness affects how well you
sleep.
4. Cognitive ability is hampered by depression. It
affects our ability to think, identify problems and formulate solutions. We
fail to perform well at work. This wrecks our self-confidence and further
exacerbates depression.
5. It affects our immune system. The ability to fight
infection is destabilized.
Treatment?
Joint pain interferes with your pursuit of
happiness. You must be aware of any niggling pain in your joints and consult an
experienced medical professional as soon as possible. Addressing joint pain is
an essential step in the journey away from depression.
Apart from taking proper treatment for joint pain,
following steps can help you overcome depression:
1. Self-acceptance is the key to happiness. You should
realize that your body is part of you. It is not your enemy. It has its
problems but is not malicious. You must accept that your joints are no longer
what they used to be. You are no longer young. You are mortal. You must accept
what is inevitable.
2. Our society puts great stress on being young,
beautiful and healthy. We are used to comparing ourselves with others. We end
up with feelings of inferiority. You must give up this habit if you want
happiness. Realize that you are an incomparably unique individual. There is no
one like you on the planet.
3. In order to develop a sense of calm and wellness,
you can practice mindful meditation techniques. Research suggests that those
who meditate are less prone to depressing thoughts and feelings.
4. Expressing gratitude is another way of fostering
happiness. Be grateful for the things you already have. Yes, your joints hurt.
But you might be financially secure, or you might have a loving wife.
How many
people in the world are trapped in unhappy marital relationships? It is never
too late to count your blessings.
5. Relationships matter. Try to engage people close to
you in meaningful conversations. Share your discomfort with them. Close
interpersonal contact is crucial to happiness.
6. Happiness spreads quickly. Try to be close to people
with a sense of humor. Appreciate their efforts in cheering you up.
Informative!
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