Researchers think that developing A SENSE OF PURPOSE is really a technique which can Improve HEALTHY LIVING.The foundation for their theory comes from studies carried out on 135 women in the age group 61-91.This groups EMOTIONAL and PHYSICAL Well Being were assessed by rating two types of indicators.
HAPPINESS evoked by POSITIVE experiences and a SENSE OF PURPOSEand a high SELF ESTEEM and REWARDING RELATIONSHIPS.
Outcomes established that those who had A SENSE OF PURPOSE also displayed better PHYSICAL FUNCTIONING Ability. They had a tendency to weigh less, had a lower level of inflammatory cytokines which improve the chance of arthritis, displayed evidence of better SLEEP PATTERNS, lower blood sugar levels and HDL levels(great cholesterol) was more obvious. In the group which only exhibited HAPPINESS the benefit was only that of a reduced cholesterol level.
What’s A SENSE OF PURPOSE? There are many explanations.
Having an influence over others in work, in your community, within a family setting, or on a broader basis.(OXFAM, Help THE Children, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL.)
Being recognized and VALUED for your contribution. This also implies being VALUED by yourself!
Being RESPECTED by other people.
Having A SENSE OF IDENTITY.
Recognising a sense of ACHIEVEMENT from what you do.
Having A PURPOSE helps to develop CONFIDENCE and SELF ESTEEM.People who lack PURPOSE are often unsatisfied and lonely.Instances of this could be the person who has retired from work. He might well have lots of time on his hands and be involved in a range of recreational activities but remain unsatisfied as there’s no SENSE OF PURPOSE. Involvement in these pursuits merely aids to put in his day.
How frequently have you thought about what you’d buy or the problems that might be solved by a lottery win? Yes, we have all dreamt about this and there is nothing wrong with having DREAMS .They are able to open up our minds to possibilities and occasionally lead us to chasing Objectives and a course of ACTION in their pursuit.
Yet, how often do we hear about individuals who have had this stroke of luck and discoverthat their lives are not always enhanced in any meaningful way by this, or are worse of because of it. Headlines in local press have told us about the families who have broken up after winning cash. Individuals who have packed in their jobs and gone on shopping sprees and drinking binges. Men and women who long for the company of others who are not solely thinking about them for what they get. The world in our eyes might be their oyster but what they may find diminished is a sense of CHALLENGE…
There is some truth in the saying that if you have to work hard for something you will be thankful more.Occasionally the achievement itself is not the most rewarding element, but the process involved in its acquisition.
What offers somebody with a SENSE OF PURPOSE will differ from person to person. For some it might simply be taking care of another close to them. Others may choose to travel, get involved with regular EXERCISE/HEALTHY Eating, doing college programs. The options are limitless. Which ever you choose, your commitment to this will also benefit you by keeping your MIND ACTIVE.
The chances are that he/she will also be more OPTIMISTIC and HOPEFUL as an individual .Having something essential to strive for encourages people to be less likely to give up when things go wrong and to search for any learning chance rather.
Having A SENSE OF PURPOSE tends to make people more involved in taking care of themselves. They’ll pay attention to their health. Involvement with other individuals means that they’re less LONELY and that they also have other people around for help. Peers may also be useful for giving you feedback and helping you see things about yourself which might otherwise go undetected.