Staying happy and positive in life can help you remain active and healthy as you grow older. 

Mind over matter” may seem a bit cliché when it comes to health and science, but a positive attitude plays an undeniable role in reaching and maintaining optimal health – regardless of age.

Administrator of Community Rehab at Hillcrest Rehab Services Paul Gardner has witnessed numerous success stories, from clients overcoming chronic pain issues to those achieving full range of motion following surgery. And for each of these successes exists a single, underlying factor affecting the patient’s final outcome: a positive attitude.

“The people who achieve the most success in physical therapy and rehab are those who have a positive attitude, who are focused on their goals and who are looking into the future with a positive mindset,” said Gardner. “They put in the work and they visualize success. Keeping a positive mindset goes a long way toward achieving positive results.”

This isn’t just Gardner’s opinion. This is science.

According to several recent studies in the world of health sciences, a positive attitude can put you on the path toward a longer, healthier and more stress-free life. For example:
• A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine suggests that a positive attitude can reverse health risks in seniors, which leads to a better quality of life;
• Another study, this one by the Duke University Medical Center, linked positive emotions to better heart health;
• And according to the Mayo Clinic – and in support of dozens of other studies on the topic of positivity – a positive attitude can be linked to an increased lifespan, a stronger immune system, a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, less stress, and overall mental and physical well-being.

These are studies Gardner and his Hillcrest Physical Therapy team have taken to heart, mindfully applying the power of positivity throughout every aspect of their practice, from environment to the personalities of their physical therapists to the way they motivate their patients.

Such an emphasis can lead to better outcomes for their patients.

“The power of positivity applies to everything, no matter your challenges, goals and obstacles,” Gardner said. “As studies have shown, attitude affects how people recover from injury and achieve greater health and longevity. But it goes much further than that.

“Having a positive attitude helps as you work toward any goal, whether that goal be in physical therapy, in education, advancing your career … whatever it may be.”

To learn more about how Hillcrest Physical Therapy can help you or a loved one take positive, healthful steps forward in life, call (402) 682-4210 or visit hillcresthealth.com.