Did you ever think that a good mood, self-confidence and the feeling of “belonging” are not only good for your soul, but also for your heart? According to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, being happy as a teenager, loving yourself, feeling loved, having confidence and feeling like you belong, has serious long-term health benefits. And it’s not just about less stress at school, you’ll actually have a better heart and metabolism as an adult.
According to the study, young people who had four to five of these ‘mental superpowers’ were 69% more likely to remain heart and metabolically healthy in their twenties and thirties. And that’s a pretty cool statistic, especially when you consider that your future health starts now, when you’re a teenager.
Imagine that self-confidence, happiness or knowing you matter to others is like exercising your heart every day – only not by running, but by being kind, having friends and thinking positively. Pretty cool, right?
However, the research also showed that social inequalities unfortunately still play a major role. For example, although black teenagers reported more positive mental ‘superpowers’, fewer of them remained healthy as adults than their white peers. This is partly due to the discrimination and social risks they face more often. So positive thinking is important, but not everything – community, acceptance and justice are also key.
The bottom line? Take care of yourself, build your confidence, keep your friends close and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. A community where you feel good about yourself not only makes you happier, it makes you healthier. And who doesn’t want a future where they feel good about themselves *and* their heart is in super shape?
So yes, your heart wants you to love yourself too. Literally.
