I just came across a good blog from Mark Sisson (author of "The Primal Blueprint") which he has on his blog "Mark's Daily Apple." It's called "The Physical Benefits of Positive Emotions" but also covers the cognitive advantages. I thought it a timely contribution given the holiday seasons can bring out both the best (hope, joy, peace) and worst (stress, loneliness, cynicism) among us. Here is the link: www.marksdailyapple.com/
the-physical-benefits-of-p
ositive-emotions/#more-34097

I had my own positive emotional charge yesterday. It was the last day of my fall freshman class. It had been the first time I taught it - it's a brand new course in our curriculum - and there had been times I really felt like I was dancing my way through/hanging on by my fingernails, to mix metaphors. But we had settled into a nice rhythm and things were looking pretty good. What should happen when we ended the last lecture on the dot of the last minute but I got a round of applause! Not a standing O, but real. Those of you who have ever taught - or ever been in a classroom - know how rarely this occurs. I was touched, and it made my day ... maybe my week! Something I'll remember for a lifetime.