Positive Emotions

Postive emotions do not mean high emotions, just like bliss does not mean overt excitement. In fact, the reverse is true. While high emotions(arrogance, lust, anger, hatred{ego} and, at the other end of the spectrum, fear{superego}) involve the sympathetic drive, ramp up metabolism(stress response), are destructive; positive emotions(love, empathy) involve the parasympathetic system, including the vagus nerve that slows the heart and which, together with other parasympathetic nerves that dilate the blood vessels, lowers blood pressure. People with high vagal tone are able to control their emotions, experience better health and enjoy better harmony with their surroundings. And the virtuous cycle continues.

Meditation, spiritualism(not necessarily religiosity) and relaxation techniques like yoga bring forth positive emotions and increase the vagal tone. All these harmonize one's self with the environment(others). You feel light-hearted after such practice because blood vessels relax, the heart rate falls, and then blood flow increases so that nutrients and oxygen get sent to body tissues.

Chronic high emotions(stresses) decrease glucose metabolism analogous to 'more haste less speed' and lead to fat lay-down, instead, while positive emotions increase metabolism.

Together with exercise, good nutrition, adequate sleep, positive emotions are the best determinant and indicator of good health.

Dr. Oliver Verbe Birnso M.D.

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