http://www.onsimplicity.net/2008/10/the-unstoppable-health-benefits-of-optimism/
The Unstoppable Health Benefits of Optimism
Posted on October 03rd, 2008 in Happiness, Personal Development
Seeing the glass half full, it turns out, may yield both mental and physical benefits. Having an optimistic outlook on life can prevent depression, boost your immune system, and improve general health. (And dont worry, theres good news for pessimists, too!)
Studies have shown that control groups who are identified as optimists via pre-intake tests have fewer instances of clinical depression than those who expressed negative thoughtsin other words, classic pessimists. In addition, optimists participating in the study who did become depressed were far more likely to experience mild to moderate depression as opposed to severe cases. In other words, you have a better chance of bouncing back if youre a glass half-full kinda person.
Beyond experiencing lower stress levels and increased longevity, those with optimistic personalities are also, according to a Harvard study, significantly healthier in middle age45 to 60. In general, positive thinkers experience fewer instances of diabetes, hypertension, and even back trouble. If theres any better reason to quit with the doom and gloom, I really dont know what it could be.
Why Do Optimists Get All the Luck?
Part of the reason may have more to do with common sense, though. Some of these studies have indicated that optimists are more likely to seek information on health, especially when disease strikes. Because they believe they take can actually make a difference in their healthy, optimists are more likely to look into treatment options and take active measures to combat disease and live healthy lifestyles. In somewhat of a self-fulfilling prophesy, people who believe theyll live long, healthy lives often do.
Sure, but What About Pessimists?
Ready for some more good news? Optimism isnt necessarily an ingrained trait. Clinicians are starting to see optimism as more of a coping skill than an inherent personality traita coping skill that can be taught successfully. People can train themselves to think positively and reap the health benefits of optimism.
Now, Im no expert on teaching optimism. Its something thats been with me for longer than I remember, not something I purposefully learned. A few quick thoughts, though:
Take another persons perspective. So the barista screwed the pooch on your coffee order. Maybe her mom is in the hospital and shes a bit distracted. The coffee doesnt seem like such a big deal anymore, does it?
Take a longer perspective. Yeah, the stock you just bought tanked right away. But youre not in it for quick profits. Focus on the long-term goals and the short-term goals can become slightly less frustrating.
Laugh. Is every, single, stupid, dumb little thing going wrong today? Instead of piecing together a complex and nearly plausibly conspiracy theory, have a laugh. Enjoying the irony and ridiculousness of bad luck can make it seem less like a personal attack and more like a prank by the universe.
Think of something good. For a many people, there are plenty of good experiences to balance out the bad. When you get rear-ended, remember the time you barely scraped out of an accident. Or, think of the way youll tell the story at the party tonight. Since you cant change things after the fact, theres no harm in seeing the lighter side of things.
So tell the truthdo you think that optimists have better health? And is it possible to learn to be an optimist? Drop your opinion into the comments, conflicting views welcome.
Seeing the glass half full<<
Leads to sand in the ears.
Most optimists that I have met, needed to wake up and face all the facts.