Happiness: An Underrated Medicine
Omolola Rukayat Sadik
As students, we have all experienced moments when we feel emotionally drained and sad. It could be because we got a disappointing grade in a course. We tend to find ourselves uninterested in many things when we are sad. Being sad makes us feel weak, both psychologically and physically. Sad feelings have negative effects on our health. In this same vein, happiness can have positive effects on our health.
As cheap as it is, happiness is a medicine that is often underrated. Research has shown happiness is important to good health. The American Heart Association states that “being happy doesn’t just make us feel better; it improves our health.” Happiness can have a positive effect on our physical health, mental health, and relationships.
Being happy does not only feel good; it is also medicinal. The physical health benefits of happiness include lower blood pressure, a healthier weight, and a stronger immune system. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. However, happy people tend to have lower blood pressure, which reduces their risk of developing these conditions.
Positive emotions vs. negative emotions
One of the ways happiness affects our health is by boosting our immune system. When we are happy, our body produces more antibodies. Antibodies help the body fight off infections. In fact, studies have shown that happy people tend to have higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that boosts the immune system.
In addition, when we experience positive emotions like contentment and joy, our body fights off diseases better. People who experience these emotions have a higher antibody response to vaccines. A higher response to vaccines equals better protection against diseases.
Sadness can lead to stress, depression, anxiety, and poor health. You can easily break down when you are sad. On the other hand, happy people tend to have a stronger immune system, which means they are less likely to get sick. According to a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, happy people tend to live longer and healthier lives. Happy people are also less likely to experience chronic diseases like heart failure and diabetes.
Happiness can also help us cope with challenges and build resilience. When we are happy, we are motivated. We are more likely to bounce back from setbacks and difficulties, like academic failures or our personal struggles.
Cultivating Happiness
Some of us are better at managing our emotions than others. It is not easy to just stop worrying. Also, you can fake an emotion. We can say something even though we mean something else, but happiness needs to come from a place of sincerity. These techniques can help us increase positive emotions as students.
1. Engage in activities that bring you joy. You can go on a date, play games, read novels, or spend time with loved ones.
2. Practice gratitude. Take your time to reflect on the good things in your life. Immerse yourself in beautiful memories. 3
3. Take breaks and engage in relaxation techniques. You can take a walk, take a rest, breathe in and out for a minute, or meditate.
4. Connect with others and build strong relationships. Don’t be by yourself all the time. Negative thoughts flourish more in a lonely mind.
5. Take good care of your physical health. Exercise regularly; don’t be quick to hop on tricycles; walk to class instead. Eat healthy.
In conclusion, happiness is medicinal; however, it is not a magic cure for health conditions. Life, as we all know, is full of negatives and positives. Focusing on the positives can bring us happiness. By making happiness a priority, we can improve our health, achieve academic success, and build great relationships.
