The greatest health challenge many of us face is our own emotions and underlying self-limiting beliefs. Feeling sad, anxious, lonely, unloved, or stressed, and other similar emotions are the real cause of chronic disease. These emotions are the cause of the cause of the cause of ill health–the root cause of disease.

Let’s look at one of these causal chains–which I am sure you have heard about. Many people have heart attacks because they experience blood clot blockages in their coronary arteries. The blockages are triggered by large fatty deposits and inflammation in the lining of the arteries. The fatty deposits occur when we have high blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other risk conditions. And these conditions result from eating unhealthily and being sedentary. Many folks gravitate to comfort food and zoning out in front of the TV or computer to mask feelings of sadness, loneliness, broken relationships and feeling misunderstood.

Becoming aware of what energizes you and what boosts your mood despite life’s challenges can help you interrupt this chain. Also learning to understand your differences with friends, family and coworkers will help you feel less isolated. The field of positive psychology has identified the basic elements that promote happiness. These elements include gratitude, forgiveness, pursuing activities that create a sense of flow (are fully engaging), spending time around supportive others, and more. Learning your strengths and actively applying them is also an important part of positive psychology.

Here personality-based strengths play a role. What comes naturally and feels comfortable? What helps you feel like yourself again after a stressful experience? Focusing on your strengths rather than your weaknesses, finding ways to apply them at work and at play can get you in an energizing frame of mind. This energy makes it easier to be physically active and eat healthy foods–and especially avoid unhealthy comfort foods.

What are your strengths? Please join us in a discussion @HealthType about how you have used your personal strengths and personality to boost your mood and promote healthy habits.