On the behavior side, studies have shown that optimists live longer and are less likely to die from accidental or violent events because they take active steps to protect themselves. But even these physical changes may have their roots in the increased social support that optimists enjoy. Pessimistic people have twice as many infectious illnesses and twice as many doctor visits. Optimistic explanatory style boosts our immune system, protecting us from infectious diseases and decreasing the likelihood of breast cancer relapse. In another famous study, this time of Catholic nuns, optimistic nuns outlived negative ones by about 10 years.ĭifferent mechanisms are at work here, some physical and others behavior-oriented. In the famous Grant Study, a longitudinal study of male Harvard students from the classes of 1939-1944, optimism began predicting health starting at age 45. In contrast, optimism brings a sense of agency and confidence, and with it less despair and hopelessness. Depressed people also exhibit learned helplessness, the feeling that they’re not in control of their lives (which leads to passivity). According to psychologist Martin Seligman, depression is often accompanied by a pessimistic explanatory style: we tend to blame ourselves for misfortune, believe it’s permanent, and believe it affects all areas of life. Optimists experience less depression and anxiety, and optimistic explanatory style can alleviate depression and help prevent relapses. All that positivity must radiate outward, because optimists tend to be better liked by others, too. Optimists have a more positive mood and morale, more vitality, a sense of mastery, and high self-regard. More positive emotions and better relationships Of course, it makes sense that having a sense of hope and positive attitude about the future would make us more content in the present. This all boosts the luscious feeling of anticipation, which is greater the more pleasurable the anticipated event, the more vividly we can imagine it, the more probable we think it is to happen, and the sooner it will be happening. But what is the mechanism here?Īs the University College London’s Tali Sharot explains, optimistic people are happier because they imagine positive events more vividly and expect them to occur sooner. More happinessĪs expected, optimists report being happier in life. Whether you’re looking to enhance your well-being, achieve your goals, or simply enjoy life more fully, the benefits of being optimistic are well worth exploring in this essay. ![]() So what can you expect as you begin to cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life? In this article, we’ll explore the research-backed optimism benefits and share practical tips for building a more positive mindset. This helps them build resilience and cope more effectively with adversity. They don’t ignore or deny negative experiences, but they do tend to focus more on positive ones. Do they simply sit back and wait for good things to happen to them? Or do they take more risks and end up getting hurt because they believe that everything will turn out okay in the end?Ĭontrary to these common misconceptions, the research on healthy optimism shows that optimistic individuals tend to approach life in a more balanced way. ![]() ![]() As you explore the benefits of optimism, you may wonder if optimists are setting themselves up for disappointment by having such high expectations.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |