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Using Positive Emotions to Improve Your Health

6/25/2025

When you’re not feeling well—whether physically or emotionally—it can be hard to imagine that something as simple as feeling good on purpose could help. But research shows that intentionally increasing positive emotions, called positive affect induction, can reduce both physical and mental health symptoms.
What is Positive Affect Induction?
Positive affect induction means doing things that help you feel good, on purpose and with intention. It’s not about ignoring your problems or forcing happiness. Instead, it’s about practicing small moments of joy, gratitude, or calm that can gently shift your mood and help your body heal.
How Can Positive Emotions Help Your Health?

Physical Symptoms Improve:
Positive emotions can lower stress hormones, reduce pain, and even help with chronic conditions like headaches, digestive issues, and fatigue.
Mental Health Benefits:
Feeling positive—even briefly—can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and build resilience over time.
The Body-Mind Connection:
Studies show that when we experience positive feelings, our heart rate slows, our muscles relax, and our immune system can function better.

Simple Ways to Increase Positive Emotions

Gratitude Practice: Write down 1-3 things you’re grateful for each day.
Mindful Moments: Take time to savor something pleasant—a cup of tea, the sun on your skin, or music you enjoy.
Acts of Kindness: Doing something nice for someone else can quickly boost positive feelings.
Imagery Exercises: Visualizing happy or peaceful memories can help bring positive emotions into the present.

Learn More

Book: Hardwiring Happiness by Dr. Rick Hanson
This book explains how to help your brain “hold onto” good experiences to build resilience and long-term emotional strength.
Research: A 2017 study by Nelson-Coffey et al. found that practicing gratitude and kindness helped people experience more positive emotions and improved both mental and physical well-being.

Final Thoughts
You don’t have to wait until life is perfect to start feeling better. Small, intentional moments of joy, gratitude, and kindness can slowly shift your mood and improve your health. Over time, these positive feelings can become a valuable part of your healing process.
If you’d like support in building these practices into your life, contact Debra.

#PositiveAffect #EmotionalWellness #MindBodyHealing #IntentionalJoy #GratitudePractice #MentalHealthSupport #PositivePsychology #ChronicPainRelief #StressReduction #HealingThroughJoy #ResilienceBuilding #FeelGoodOnPurpose #SelfCompassion #MindfulLiving #NeuroplasticityHealing

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Mitochondria and Mental Health: What’s the Connection?

6/25/2025

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When we think about mental health, we often focus on emotions, thoughts, and brain chemistry. But there’s another important piece of the puzzle: mitochondria. These tiny parts inside our cells are responsible for making energy. When mitochondria don’t work well, it can affect how we feel, think, and function.
Why Mitochondria Matter for Mental Health

Low Energy in the Brain:
When mitochondria don’t produce enough energy, the brain can feel foggy, tired, or slow. This can show up as low mood, trouble concentrating, or feeling emotionally flat.
Stress and Inflammation:
Damaged mitochondria can increase inflammation in the brain and body. This is now linked to depression, anxiety, and even brain fog.
Links to Mental Health Conditions:
Research shows that mitochondrial problems may play a role in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism, and ADHD. Supporting mitochondrial health may help improve these conditions.

How Can You Support Your Mitochondria?

Healthy Eating:
A balanced diet with healthy fats, proteins, and low processed sugar can fuel your mitochondria.
Movement:
Regular exercise helps your body make new, stronger mitochondria.
Quality Sleep:
Rest gives your mitochondria time to repair and recharge.
Supplements (if recommended by your provider):
Some people benefit from nutrients like CoQ10 or N-acetyl cysteine, which help mitochondria function better.

Learn More

Book: Brain Energy by Dr. Chris Palmer
A powerful look at how improving mitochondrial health can help with depression and other mental health challenges.
Research: Liu et al. (2023) found that some genetic changes in mitochondria may increase the risk of depression and anxiety through inflammation.
Podcast: Dhru Purohit’s show (Episode 269) with Dr. Chris Palmer
They discuss how brain inflammation and mitochondrial health affect mood and focus.

Final Thoughts
If you’ve been struggling with mood, brain fog, or low energy, supporting your mitochondrial health might help. Talk with your healthcare provider about personalized steps that could work for you.

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Using Positive Emotions to Improve Your Health

Mitochondria and Mental Health: What’s the Connection?

Debra Eng, MSW, LCSW

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