How healthy are you going into this holiday season?

While you can try to steer clear of germs, pump up the antioxidants, and even get your flu shots, three of the healthiest things you can do have nothing to do with germs and everything to do with attitude. That’s right. Numerous studies exist that show a direct relationship between improved health and a positive, happy attitude toward life.

So here are three things you can start doing now to ensure you have a happier, healthier holiday season:

1. Cultivate a Grateful Heart

I’m sure God had our physical, as well as spiritual, health in mind when He inspired the Apostle Paul to write: “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Did you catch that? In everything give thanks. In the good times, as well as the bad. In the pleasantries of life, as well as in the pain. During difficult times, trying times, and frustrating times, too. When we’re thanking God, we’re focused on our blessings, rather than the bitterness of whatever else might be going on. And that keeps us positive.

2. Cut Out the Critical Talk

Did you know that negative people not only tend to get sick more often, but they have a shorter life span altogether?  That tells me that having a critical spirit, a negative outlook on life — a snarl, rather than a smile — is lethal! I’ve known extremely negative people, and I’d venture to say they are toxic. Do yourself — and others– a favor and when you start to think something critical about someone, correct that thought before it is verbalized and think something positive about that person instead.  Then actually verbalize the positive, not the negative. That is one practical way to reverse a critical spirit.

3. Center yourself in God’s Word

You can be spiritually and emotionally centered by going to the literal center of God’s Word — Psalms — and reading one Psalm a day and letting it guide your life. Some people do this with the Proverbs — reading one of the 31 Proverbs for each day of the month. I like to do this with the Psalms because they are often centered on praise. Like Psalm 71:14:

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

As I keep myself in the center of God’s Word, it keeps me centered on the thoughts I should be having that keep me healthier — spiritually, emotionally, and even physically.

What attitudes — and portions of Scripture — keep you happy, hopeful, and healthy? I’d love for you to share them with my readers in the comment section below.