Pain Effects Not Only You, But Those Around You
Have you been through this before? Someone you love doesn’t seem to be acting like themselves.  You ask them if something is wrong and the answer is, “I’m fine.”  But you know better.  They are hiding something and it is making them act differently.  There’s a good chance that what they’re hiding is pain.  Maybe they “slept funny” the night before or pulled something while trying to get into better shape.  Whatever the reason, their body is in pain and no matter how they try to hide it, the people who love them can tell and it effects them as well.  However, just as grumpiness due to pain can effect the people you love, being pain free and happy can effect them positively as well!
Scientists at Harvard University and the University of California, San Diego, found that emotions, particularly happiness, have a viral effect in how they spread from one person to another. For every happy person in your physical social network, you have a 9 percent chance of increasing your own happiness. The effect does not seem to include electronic communications.
This is especially good news considering the potential health benefits of happiness and positivity. Studies have linked optimism to a healthier immune system, faster wound healing, and a lower risk of heart disease. While the exact cause of the benefits is not clear, one theory is that optimistic people are more likely to take care of their health. In addition, there is hope that teaching optimism could become part of a preventative program for various conditions.
Physical discomfort automatically changes your emotional health and well-being. When you are in pain, it not only affects you, but those around you. As your mood becomes irritable due to pain, those around you at home and at work feel the effects. We want to help you become pain free and be a joy to be around.
