Physical
pain of any type can eventually lead to feelings of discouragement or even
depression, especially if the pain is chronic. Recent medical studies have
linked chronic back pain to depression (Click Here)
Part of the healing process for our patients presenting with chronic back pain and disability with associated clinical depression involves healing of the mind and emotions. Although the fast and significant relief of pain our patients experience with our advanced non-surgical treatments and procedures helps improve mood and relieves some of the weight of depression, we find that our patients also benefit with additional conscious efforts to improve their mental state with positive thinking and behavior patterns.
In his excellent book entitled “The Happiness Advantage”, author and professor at Harvard University, Shawn Achor, describes among many things, the science behind happiness, and provides many tools, techniques and the motivational inspiration to help all of us to create and receive more joy and happiness in life. Here is a brief summary of just 7 principles (from literally hundreds) from his book.
The Seven Principles to Happiness
1] Meditate. Meditation has proven to lead to growth
of the left prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain most responsible for
feeling happy. However, it is vitally important, no matter how challenging, to focus the mind on positive things. Start by making a list of anything and everything that you are grateful for. Focusing on what we have rather than what we don't have is one of the first steps. Then make another list of all of the goals you would like to achieve; things you would like to have, be or do. Read these two lists every morning upon awakening and every evening before going to bed, thinking and feeling good about those positive things in your life now, and in the near future. You are guaranteed to start feeling better mentally and physically when your thoughts move toward the positive side.
2] Find Something to Look Forward To.
In addition to the magic of setting achievement goals for the sake of
accomplishing them, the famous philosopher, teacher, motivator and mentor; Jim Rohn, used to say that
the purpose of having goals is not ultimately what is accomplished, but rather
what you become by having accomplished them! Anticipation of a positive event
actually raises endorphins by up to 27 percent. Anticipating future rewards can
actually light up the pleasure centers in your brain much as the actual reward
will. Set positive experience goals and put them on your calendar, review them,
and anticipate the joy they will bring into your life. Jim Rohn also taught
that it is the "why" or the reason behind a goal or dream that fuels you to
accomplish it and ultimately reach it.
3] Commit Conscious Acts of Kindness.
Consistent actions of service enhance our own levels of self esteem, meet the
basic human psychological needs and as a result enhance mental health overall.
Look for ways to be a blessing to someone else every day, (like paying the toll
of the person behind you), in essence "paying it forward".
4] Infuse Positivity Into Your
Surroundings. Photos, music, nature, sunshine, motorcycles, surfing,
funny videos, loving words, etc. The list is practically endless. Think of new
ways to infuse positivity into your surroundings!
5] Exercise. Stress
reduction, increased endorphins, reducing anxiety, decreased depression,
increased happiness, improved mental, emotion, physical, spiritual and
psychological health overall. Exercise is one of the most important investments
you can make in your health, wealth, happiness and holiness plan!
6] Spend Money. Wow! Who
knew! (Be careful with this one though as it can backfire if it goes too far!) But
spend it more on doing things than having things. Having happiness wears off
quickly, but doing happiness leads to more happiness.
7] Exercise a Signature Strength.
You're really good at something. Do what you do well and you will experience a
burst of positive energy. Exercising your strength makes you feel better about
yourself as well as feeling more positive about everything else. One study
proved that people felt happier by exercising their signature strength's
consistently in a new way every day for a week, even up to 6 months after the
exercise.
These seven principles from Shawn’s book are a good starting point to improving your happiness levels in life. The Happiness Advantage is loaded with more great information on the subject and I highly recommend it. Pain can be relieved, . . . joy can be received, . . . and life can be restored, . . . with a little help from your friends here at the South Coast Spine Center.
Give us a call if you or someone you know needs help and relief. After all, it’s what we do! Call us today and mention this blog and you will receive a complimentary consultation/evaluation and diagnostic testing at: 619-472-2225
Yours in excellent health . . . and happiness,
DR. BRUCE BELL, D.C., Q.M.E., CCSP®, Doctor of Chiropractic, Qualified Medical Evaluator, Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician/Practitioner®, American Academy of Spine Physicians
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