Health and longevity have always been the pursuit and focus of research for people. The insights into longevity summarized by Nobel Prize-winning physiologist Elizabeth and others aroused public attention, which are: to live to be a hundred, a reasonable diet accounts for 25%, other factors account for 25%, while the role of psychological balance accounts for 50%. How should we understand this psychological balance, which influences longevity by half? How can we achieve it?
“Stress hormones” can damage the body
Psychological research has found that when a person loses their temper, the stress hormones produced can be lethal to mice. Therefore, “stress hormones” are also referred to as “toxic hormones.” The “Huangdi Neijing” also mentioned: “All diseases arise from emotions. Anger causes Qi to rise, joy causes Qi to relax, sadness causes Qi to stagnate, fear causes Qi to scatter, overwork causes Qi to deplete…” Hence, to treat illnesses, one must first treat the “heart.”
Modern medicine has discovered that cancer, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, peptic ulcers, and menstrual irregularities are related to human feelings of psychological repression in 65%-90% of cases. Therefore, these diseases are termed psychosomatic diseases. If a person is constantly anxious, angry, or tense, leading to persistently high levels of stress hormones, the immune system will be suppressed and destroyed, and the cardiovascular system will become particularly fragile due to prolonged overwork.
When people are happy, the brain secretes dopamine and other “beneficial hormones.” Beneficial hormones help people relax and experience pleasure, creating a comfortable state that allows various bodily functions to coordinate and balance, thereby promoting health. So, how can we in our daily lives secrete more happy “beneficial hormones” and reduce “stress hormones”?
Set a goal and think actively
New research indicates that having a “strong sense of purpose” is beneficial for health. The pursuit in life determines a person’s mindset, which in turn affects their physiological condition. Those who think actively have brain blood vessels in a relaxed state, therefore, frequent mental activity can promote brain metabolism and delay aging. Elderly friends can attend senior universities after retirement to learn calligraphy, dance, sing, paint, etc., to keep their brains active.
Helping others has a “therapeutic” effect
Researchers have found that providing “material” assistance to others can reduce mortality rates by 42%; offering mental support can reduce mortality by 30%. Being kind to others and frequently doing good deeds leads to an indescribable feeling of joy and pride, which in turn lowers stress hormone levels and promotes the secretion of “beneficial hormones.” Experts in psychiatric epidemiology even say that developing a habit of helping others is an effective way to prevent and treat depression.
Family harmony is the secret to longevity
Two psychology professors from the United States found in 20 years of research that the decisive factor affecting lifespan is “interpersonal relationships,” which ranked first. They stated that interpersonal relationships might be more important than consuming fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and health check-ups. Interpersonal relationships include not just friendships but also family relationships. Therefore, family harmony and enjoying good relationships with friends are part of the secrets to longevity!
Giving kindness will reap kindness
When we smile at others, they will smile back at us. Whether with friends or chatting with old classmates on WeChat, remember to always keep smiling and show kindness. This kindness includes: compliments, humor, smiles, respect, courtesy, easygoing nature, tolerance, forgiveness, understanding, compassion, loyalty, and listening. Only in this way will we receive kindness from others, and our mood will improve!
In fact, what determines a person’s lifespan is not just diet and exercise; a happy mindset and a positive attitude are also very important! Hurry and share this significant discovery with your friends, and wish everyone health, happiness, and longevity!
