Why Complaining is Bad For Your Health

I do it. You probably do it, too.  Most of us love to complain about life's frustrations, challenges, annoyances and complications .  Research says that in a typical conversation, we complain about something about once every minute.  It's a common thing.  Just a harmless way to let off a little steam.

Wrong!!  

According to science - all that complaining can actually be harmful to our health.  Here's how:

Negative talk is a slippery slope.  You see, the brain can rewire itself.  Whenever we have repeated thoughts, they create neural connections.  The more these thoughts are repeated, the stronger those connections become and other neural connection cells decrease.  As the connections become stronger the brain focuses more on the negativity.  This makes it easier and easier to focus on negative thoughts while pushing out more enjoyable, positive thought processes. This can lead to an increase in stress, anxiety and even worsen depression.  A 2014 study by the University of California found that chronic stress may cause changes in the brain that makes people more susceptible to anxiety and other mood disorders.  Frequent complaining may also shrink the hippocampus, the area of the brain related to memory and problem solving. 


All those negative thought processes have an affect on your physical health also.  

Whenever you complain, your body releases higher levels of Cortisol (aka - the stress hormone).  High cortisol levels can be harmful to the heart, cause an increase in blood pressure, and lead to a higher body weight. One study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry in 2004 found that pessimistic people had a higher risk of death from heart failure than those who are more optimistic.  

It's not just your own complaining either!  Listening to others moan and groan causes damage also.  That's right - secondhand complaining is bad for your health.  So, if you want to kick the complaining habit and improve your mental and physical health - surround yourself with positive people!

This post is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and nd never disregard medical advice or delay seeing help because of something you read on this website