Health Benefits of Optimism: iGrin Pediatric Dentistry

iGrin Pediatric Dentistry offers topics not just related to dentistry. Today we are discussing health benefits that stem from the brain. Studies have shown that a negative attitude over time can have detrimental health repercussions such as such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders, and infection. On the contrary, a joyful, positive attitude leads to incredible health benefits like faster recovery from cardiovascular stress, better sleep, fewer sick days, and a greater sense of overall happiness.

Negative thoughts are cunning in the way that they sneak into our minds–disguising themselves as genuine concern for an issue and then taking over more and more territory until they turn to full blown anxiety or anger. Venting and gossiping with a friend seems like it would help get the burden off our chest, but often this can exasperate the issue and cause our friend to catch the infectious negative mindset.

How Can We Change?
The great news is that we can train our brains to think optimistically just like we train our brains to remember the clinical steps to seating a crown. The first step is recognition. Recognize when the thoughts are creeping in and counter them with more rational thoughts because the truth is most of the time we make our problems out to be way more drastic than they actually are. I get that work can present challenges and frustrations sometimes, but realistically we are blessed beyond measure to have the quality of life that we do in literally the top 1% of the world. (really good, eye opening article) And the more we cultivate and habituate that thankful, optimistic mindset, the more of a positive impact we will have on society and our work place.

Want to learn more about iGrin Pediatric Dentistry? Check out our Facebook page and Google+ page!