Wellness Wednesday - The Importance of Attitude

We make many decisions every day that impact our health. What we wear, our hygiene routines, what we eat, our type and intensity of exercise are all choices with obvious consequences. There is another determination we make on a regular basis that has a long-lasting effect on our health.

It's our attitude.

Many of the alternatives we choose regarding our health are changed by our attitude. We can select healthy foods, or a poor attitude can allow us to eat impulsively based on taste. Whether or not we take time to exercise, make doctor's appointments, or put our health first is based on our attitudes.

A recent Johns Hopkins study determined that having a positive outlook can actually reduce your chances of a heart attack. This lessening of heart risk was independent of diet, race, or other factors.

A cheerful attitude may be a gift from birth, but we can take steps to improve our mood and outlook:

• Appreciate what you have. If you enjoy a roof over your head, clean water, and sufficient food, you are better off than most of the world's population. 
• Take care of your physical needs. If you are poorly nourished, sick, or tired, your mood will be low. 
• Forge a connection with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Your connection with the eternal will give you a view larger than yourself. 
• Pray often for guidance about decisions you need to make. 
• When you are discouraged, stop and make a conscious choice to look for the good in your life and to identify things for which you are grateful.

How do you turn your attitude around?