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A sense of gratitude and optimism are essential for your emotional well-being. They help make you younger and more light-hearted as they decrease stress and boost your sense of connectedness with others. But they do even more. A new meta-study looked at 18 randomized controlled trials that tested the impact of positive psychology and mindfulness on physical health. It reveals that those ways of thinking can help lower your blood pressure. And that may spare you the risk of related cardiovascular issues like stroke and heart attack.

Folks who practiced mindfulness and engaged in training to develop optimism and gratitude for eight to 12 weeks "reduced systolic blood pressure and lowered inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and fibrinogen," according to the researchers. They also found that a 12-week digital intervention that focused on developing and reinforcing a sense of inspiration, significance, and purpose (They called it "spirituality-based digital intervention") reduced participants' systolic blood pressure by 7.6 points, and central systolic pressure, measured in the aorta as it leaves the heart, by 4.1 points.

Finding a program that eases your stress, enhances a sense of purpose and increases mindfulness (thinking about the here and now without judgment) is the best way to accomplish these heart -- and soul -- benefits. So check out the AI coaching programs (I'm part of it) at 4YOUngevity.com and interact with me through my blog at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com. And for info on developing mindfulness, check out nccih.nih.gov and search for "Meditation and Mindfulness." Ohhmm-my! You will become younger, stronger and happier.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.

(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.