Baby Boomers Network

Even though sustained negativity is toxic and bad for your health, many people are still more intrinsically pessimistic than optimistic. Are you, therefore, born with a propensity for pessimism or can you develop the mindset of an optimist?

Apparently, you learn many attitudinal patterns from your parents and become wired toward a certain direction. However, there’s a lot of learning you can do to take control of your outlook on life and keep the pendulum swinging in a more optimistic course.

Some people try lifestyle changes, like meditation, relaxation, and yoga exercises to keep their perspective upbeat and focused on the sunnier side of the spectrum. Others seek professional help through cognitive-behavioral therapy to change their irrational negative thoughts into more logical, hopeful thinking.

To identify where you stand, look at your habitual behaviors and notice how you explain things that happen. If you are more inclined to say things like, “Why do bad things always happen to me?” you are probably more a “glass-half-empty” kind of person. If, on the other hand, you feel bad events are temporary and situational, you lean toward a more optimistic view of life.

Optimism can be learned, according to Martin Seligman, PhD. author of “Learned Optimism”. You can reprogram your brain and nervous system to be free of negative thoughts and to allow in optimism, if you so choose. Just change your explanatory style, telling yourself that things are good, that “this too shall pass” and that things will get better and you will experience more happiness and increase your general sense of positive feelings.

Prolonged negativity is harmful and the more you can maintain a good perspective, the more you will experience positive long-term outcomes over your lifetime.

Medical Supplies

Are baby boomers going crazy? They’re sending their pets to spas and resorts that offer massages, spa baths, suites with TVs and shopping sprees!

No, they are not losing their minds. Pets are no longer something to keep chained up outside or in a doghouse, but rather they are considered treasured members of our families. They are like our kids, only lower maintenance and more cooperative. They are a genuine part of the household, sharing eating, sleeping and family vacations.

Pets are so significant, that when our “real” kids leave home for college or to start their own lives, it is our pets that fill the empty nest and emotional void. Many of us are no longer burdened with the cost of raising children, and are even willing to use our extra income to extend the lives of our furry friends. We are opting for expensive surgeries and preventative procedures that rival human medicine, just to keep our pets around longer.

We continue to spoil our pets as we did our children and the bond between us and them is growing and strong. Our pets give us peace of mind and comfort during the difficult transition time when we must let our children “fly the coop.” They help us feel less lonely and more needed.

Having pets has so many health benefits, too. They help reduce blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels and even reduce the number of trips to the doctor and time spent in the hospital. Research shows that we have to remain healthy since our pets are so dependent on us for walking, feeding and maintaining their healthy quality of life. Pets decrease anger, frustration, depression and reduce stress. They also give us a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

My wonderful pet, Gus, was a feral, non-friendly cat when we first met. However, he became the most affectionate, devoted and loving cat I’ve ever owned. He has, by far, the sweetest temperament and disposition. Not only is he a “”lap-cat when you watch TV, but he’s a “curl up in your arms in bed” cat at night. The house is quieter without the kids, but just as joyful and alive with my sweet, best companion, Gus, in it.

Our animals are natural born healers and they lift up our spirits and bring us a feeling of well-being that we often can’t get anywhere else. There is no better way to enrich your life than by sharing it with the unconditional love of a pet (or 2).

Visit your local pet shelter and adopt!

There’s a wonderful relaxation technique I like to use when my life appears to be spiraling out of control. All it takes is a simple positive, personal phrase to refocus my attention on my competence, capability and potential for restoring my healthy perspective again.

The exhausting demands of family and work, the grueling stretches of disappointments and setbacks and the reality of a disturbing economy can easily set us all in a tail spin. However, this technique can rewire your brain to reduce the anxiety and alter the flow of your body.

Plus, it is effective for everyone. Herbert Benson, MD, director emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine in Boston, prescribes this relaxation technique to his patients to reduce everyday stress and worry.

Here is what you do:

1. Find a meaningful, positive phrase that is ingrained from life experience or a phrase that is borrowed from a favorite book, movie, inspirational leader or mentor. I like to say, “All is well in my life.” For some reason, that phrase helps to remind me of all the good I have going for me.

2. Next, as you breathe, repeat the phrase as a mantra on the out breath. If your mind should wander, just take notice without judgment or reaction to your thoughts and gently go back to repeating your phrase.

3. Continue doing this for more than 10, but less than 20 minutes a day. The best times are in the early morning or late afternoon before dinner.

4. According to Benson, by breaking the train of everyday negative thoughts, you are counteracting the harmful effects of stress. Don’t worry if you are achieving a deep enough level of relaxation. It will work regardless.

5. Any condition made worse by stress will be made better, because the relaxation that comes from repeating your phrase, actually changes the substance of your body. Dr. Benson says that you ultimately change your genes’ expression.

With practice, this technique becomes easier and the results are more obvious. You will find you are handling difficult situations with less stress, coping with the trials of everyday burdens with less effort and responding to negative experiences and obstacles with a healthier, more positive mindset. When you feel like you’re on the verge of quitting, propel yourself forward by using your special, uplifting phrase as your mantra toward peace and serenity.