Researchers have noted that the more snappy and pessimistic you are, the larger the chances are of suffering from fatal heart disease. Scientists in Finland suggested that there is a direct link between a person’s level of irritability and pessimism, and their risk of heart disease.
According to researchers, they studied at over 2,200 middle-aged woman and men over a period of 11 years. During this time, 121 of them died of heart disease, and there was a correlation between these people and their outlook in life.
Additionally, they found out that overall, pessimists were twice as likely to die than optimists and on top of this, they found being grumpy could also lead to possible blood vessel damage.
In order to become good-natured and positive, do the following basic tips:
* Get enough sleep and rest. Some individuals boast about their ability to function on 4-5 hours of sleep. However, they don’t realize there may be a connection between sleep deprivation and crankiness. Sleep deprivation can also lead to depression and anxiety, other than becoming more irritable and aggressive towards others.
* Always eat healthy and on time. Skipping meals can cause your blood glucose level to drop – which stimulates your brain to release certain hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These are also stress hormones. And when these hormones flood your bloodstream, you may experience nervousness, agitation, poor concentration and low energy.
* Reduce your caffeine intake. Even in small doses, caffeine may cause anxiety, irritability, restlessness, nervousness, headache and palpitation, which can have a negative impact on your mood.
* Get supplements of omega-3 fatty acids. A shift in hormone levels is believed to be responsible for this rollercoaster ride of emotions. Omega-3 fatty acids helps maintain a regular heart rhythm, reduce blood pressure, lower blood fat levels and slow down the rate at which the arteries get clogged up.
* Visit your medical specialist. Being cranky and irritable can also indicate a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder or depression. Low levels of neurotransmitters – such as serotonin and dopamine – can have a negative impact on your mood.
* Get some good humor. Take time to smile and laugh, especially during difficult times. Instead of being snappy all the time, seek humor in everyday happenings. While doing so, you feel less stressed.
* Surround yourself with positive people. Make sure those in your life are positive, supportive people you can depend on to give helpful advice and feedback. Negative people may increase your stress level and make you doubt your ability to manage stress in healthy ways.
* Practice positive self-talk. Start by following one simple rule: Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else.
Ana Williams is the health columnist for The Graham Star.