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How Optimism Can Improve Your Life and Your Health 7 Reasons Why Being an Optimist Is Good for Your Health 11%–15% This is the average increase in life span enjoyed by optimists, suggest the results of a Boston University study. A Peek Inside the Brain Cultivating optimism may enhance your brain’s defenses against bad news, helping you retain a positive outlook. A Hearty Enthusiasm A positive attitude may protect against cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes. Thinking optimistically about your health may also lower blood pressure after a stroke, especially for women. Positive Germ Fighters Optimism may boost your immune system and help you fight off any illness that comes your way. Researchers also note that a positive outlook may lead to better self-care, such as getting checkups in time, which can in turn boost health. Stronger Memories People with higher levels of positivity are less likely to endure age-related memory loss, suggests a study from Northwestern University. Cheerful Teens Do Better Adolescents who have an optimistic outlook tend to show greater mental health and a better ability to buffer stress, suggest the results of one study. A Better Night’s Sleep A study from the University of Illinois suggests that those with the highest levels of optimism were 74% more likely to have zero insomnia issues and experience less daytime sleepiness. How to Be More Optimistic Stay Hydrated In one survey, 40% of respondents who drank more than 6 glasses of water a day considered themselves to be optimistic, and 41% reported being very happy with their lives. Well-hydrated respondents also reported waking up feeling less tired during the week and were more likely to describe themselves as successful and on time for work. Go for a Walk in the Woods The results of one study suggest that engaging in nature-based activities such as gardening or strolling through a forest for as little as 20 minutes at a time may help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase positive thinking. The researchers believe that doing these outdoor activities in groups may be even more beneficial to mental health. Surround Yourself with Positive People Hanging around negative, glass-half-empty people can drain your vitality and put the kibosh on your imagination. However, spending time with hopeful people can amplify your energy and encourage you to think more positively. Connect with the optimists in your life to help keep you grounded, increase joy, and boost self-confidence. Practice Affirmations You can train yourself to be more optimistic by thinking more positively about your future and repeatedly telling yourself positive messages, such as “I can do this,” and “I will achieve this goal.” Visualize Your Best Possible Self Once a week for 4 weeks, write about the best possible version of yourself in different areas: work, family, social life. Write freely for 10 minutes. Then, take 5 minutes and write a specific goal for yourself in each area of focus. 3 Ways to Be an Optimist at Work 1. At the end of your workday, note what you <i>did<i/> accomplish rather than what you didn’t. 2. Find 1 good quality in a person you don’t get along with. 3. List 3 things you like about working in your field. OPTIMISTS BOUNCE BACK Look on the Bright Side People who have positive emotions tend to be more resilient when faced with life’s challenges. Phone a Friend Optimistic, resilient people tend to see things from several perspectives. So, if you’re feeling plowed under by some problem, call a friend or two and get some different points of view. Practice Mindfulness Meditation, yoga, and gratitude journaling are all mindfulness techniques associated with building resilience. Research suggests that individuals with higher mindfulness levels are likely to show enhanced resilience and lower stress levels, which both contribute to increased happiness. [QUOTE]

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