19/08/2026
Wednesday Wisdom:
To the folks who say: “I already pay rates and taxes, I’m not paying an NPO like Better Edenvale!” We say: “You might want to reconsider that if you would like to live a longer, healthier life.”
Yes, you read that correctly! If you’re wondering how Better Edenvale, your rates and taxes and your health and longevity could be linked, we’ll explain:
If you are constantly complaining about your wasted rates and taxes, poor service delivery, potholes, litter, weeds, broken infrastructure, etc, you are actually damaging your brain, according to research from Stanford University. Studies have shown that complaining shrinks the hippocampus - an area of the brain that’s critical to problem solving and intelligent thought.
The physical harm caused by complaining doesn’t stop there. When you complain, your body releases the stress hormone cortisol. One effect of cortisol is to raise your blood pressure and blood sugar. Your immune system is impacted, making you more susceptible to high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. It even makes the brain more vulnerable to strokes.
There is a solution to the negative effects of complaining: gratitude. Research conducted at the University of California found that people who strived to feel grateful for something every day experienced improved mood and energy and substantially less anxiety due to lower cortisol levels.
So, this Wednesday, we appeal to everyone in Edenvale to join us in more doing, less moaning and an attitude of gratitude. We aren’t saying that issues shouldn’t be reported to the Municipality, but the harmful effects of complaining can be countered if you shift your attention to something that you’re grateful for – like Better Edenvale.
The University of California researchers noted that taking time to contemplate what you’re grateful for reduces the stress hormone cortisol by 23%.
To help Better Edenvale do more, so that you can complain less, be grateful for improvements, and live a long, healthy life, please consider a regular (monthly donation). Email us to sign up: [email protected]
