TMHS 785 - How Optimism Impacts Your Health & The Truth About Your Emotions - With Dr. Sue Varma
Apr 24, 2024
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Dr. Sue Varma, a psychiatrist, discusses how optimism impacts health outcomes and emotions. She highlights the benefits of being optimistic, the connection between optimism and longevity, and the importance of labeling emotions. The podcast explores practical optimism, the influence of emotions on habits and health, and the power of cultural differences in emotional expression.
Being optimistic is linked to longer, healthier lives and reduced risk of cardiovascular events.
Emotions serve as a vital guidance system impacting behavior, habits, and well-being.
Excessive social media use can lead to increased anxiety and depression, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and fostering real-life connections.
Deep dives
Impact of Optimism on Longevity
Being exceedingly optimistic is linked to longer, healthier lives as per a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Optimism reduces the risk of cardiovascular events and premature death from all causes. Conversely, a strong history of depression can increase premature death by up to 50%, shortening lifespan by 10 to 12 years. Practical optimism, balancing positivity with action, is emphasized for better health outcomes.
Understanding and Harnessing Emotions
Emotions serve as a vital internal compass guiding thoughts and behaviors. They are physiological responses that impact behavior and habits, subsequently influencing health. Recognizing emotions' purpose and bringing them into conscious awareness is crucial as they significantly influence our well-being. Emotions act as a guidance system, prioritizing what needs attention and facilitating personal growth and understanding.
Importance of Balanced Social Media Use
Excessive social media use, especially among youth, has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and decreased in-person social interactions. Monitoring social media consumption, fostering real-life connections, limiting screen time, and promoting physical activities are vital for well-being. Practical strategies like using monitoring apps and setting boundaries can mitigate the negative impacts of social media on mental health.
Practicing Practical Optimism: Choosing a Positive Outlook
The podcast delves into the concept of practical optimism, emphasizing the importance of choosing a positive outlook even in challenging situations. It highlights the significance of asking better questions and reframing one's perspective, suggesting that acceptance is a sign of strength and courage. The conversation underscores the potential benefits of practical optimism, including improved mental and physical health, longevity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Negative Thought Patterns
The episode explores strategies for breaking the cycle of negative thought patterns, such as rumination and worry. It introduces a four-step technique of name it, claim it, tame it, and reframe it to address emotional triggers and physical symptoms associated with stress. The discussion emphasizes the value of journaling, practicing mindfulness through activities like walking, and reframing perspectives through intentional questioning and acceptance of life's challenges.
Did you know that your level of optimism can predict your health outcomes? Having a positive outlook is linked with longer, healthier lives and faster recovery rates. On this episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to hear the science-backed benefits of being optimistic.
Our guest today is Dr. Sue Varma. She is a psychiatrist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and the first medical director and psychiatrist at the World Trade Center Mental Health Program. Her book, Practical Optimism, is a scientific roadmap to improving your mindset and building emotional resilience. On today’s show, Dr. Varma is sharing valuable insights into how optimism can help you reach your goals and optimize your health.
You’re going to learn how optimism can impact your brain health, cardiac health, and longevity. We’ll talk about realistic steps to label and express your emotions, how to break the cycle of negative thinking, and so much more. Dr. Varma is a true wealth of knowledge and experience in the realm of mental health – and this interview is a powerful resource I hope you will utilize.
In this episode you’ll discover:
The connection between optimism and longevity.
What it means to be a practical optimist.
How our emotions can influence our habits and our health outcomes.
The purpose that emotions serve.
What your sleep can tell you about your mental health.
Why shame is one of the most powerful emotions.
The importance of labeling your emotions.
How cultural differences can affect the expression of emotions.
The number of facial movement combinations humans can express.
Why we often need to identify our cultural conditioning to make room for acceptance.
How social media use can be toxic.
The connection between excessive social media use and depression.
What the 4 P’s of pessimism are.
The difference between pessimism and healthy skepticism.
What percentage of optimism is genetic.
The definition of the ostrich effect.
How optimism can improve your brain health, cardiac health, and more.
The 4 steps to break the cycle of negative thinking.
This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Pique.
Go to PiqueLife.com/shawn for exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions on cutting-edge solutions for your head-to-toe health and beauty transformation.
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