How to
Be Optimistic About Everything
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When challenges come our way, it may be easy to succumb to
negative thoughts. But look on the bright side—optimistic thinking isn't just
in our heads. Thinking positively can also boost our physical and mental
health.
The Power of Positive: The Need-to-Know
Optimistic thinkers tend to anticipate the best
possible outcome in any situation. (For instance: "I may have totaled my
car, but thank goodness for insurance!") And research suggests seeing the
glass half-full is good for
96ur health, career, and love life. Studies have found
self-reported optimism predicts lower rates of mortality and cancer, and better
cardiovascular health and immune function. Other research has
found the benefits of positive thinking are especially pronounced in low-income
countries. One study even suggests optimism helps women battle
breast cancer. And elderly people who hold positive stereotypes about old
age generally recover better from disability than those who think
negatively.
Some psychologists think optimists tend to be healthier because
they cope better when they can't meet their goals. It's also
possible that people who think positively attribute less significance to
stressful events.
But the benefits of optimism go beyond a clean bill of health.
Forget the raving resume—there may be a connection between positive thinking
and landing
a stellar job. Optimists also have a better chance of securing a stable, loving
relationship. Still, thinking positively may be easier said than
done.
Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be All Right: Your Action Plan
While some psychologists think we can learn to be optimists, other
experts believe optimism is a personality trait we're born with. And
other factors, like socioeconomic status and cultural background, may have a
role in our ability to think positively. Several studies have found a
relationship between pessimism and lower economic status—though it's unclear
whether low socioeconomic status causes people to be more pessimistic or it's
other way around. Cultural differences may also come into play.
Studies suggest Western cultures tend to anticipate more positive events than
Eastern cultures do. Some psychologists suggest that's because Westerners focus
more on self-enhancement and see themselves more positively than
Easterners.
But before becoming Mr. or Ms. "Everything-Is-Awesome,"
know that being too optimistic can have a downside. Expecting the
best in every situation may lead to failed expectations. Some experts argue
defensive pessimism—"hope for the best, prepare for the worst"—helps
people respond to certain threats and may even reduce anxiety.
Here are some quick tips on how to start seeing the glass
half-full:
·
Find the good. Even in
less-than-great situations, there's a way to find something positive. It may be hard to see at
first, but try looking closer! (For instance: "I may be completely lost,
but the view from here sure is pretty.")
·
Write it down. At the
end of the day, write down a few good things that happened, like
finishing a big report at work or getting an email from an old friend. The
habit makes it easier to appreciate the positive parts of life.
·
Speak with success. Sometimes
it's not the specific situation that determines a good or bad mood, but how we
talk about it. (For example: "The exam may have been super hard, but
telling friends we tried our best may cheer us up.")
·
Forget the green-eyed monster. It's easy
to compare ourselves to others and become envious of what you don't have.
Instead, try to appreciate the good qualities and remember what you'regrateful
for.
·
Take control: Science has shown
people feel more optimistic about situations they can control. So
take a seat behind the driver's wheel and remember choices like working out
more and eating healthfully are (almost always) yours!
·
Smile! Grin at this: In one
study, participants who held a pen in their mouth (causing them to use their smiling
muscles) perceived cartoons to be funnier than those without the
pen. So not only are smiles contagious, they may actually make
situations seem better.
·
Stay balanced. Life
isn't all good, all the time, so don't worry if those positive thoughts don’t
flow freely. Staying realistic is also important to help manage
anxiety and boost productivity.
·
BY LAURA
SCHWECHERL
http://greatist.com/happiness/how-be-optimistic-about-everything?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_content=story5_cta&utm_campaign=daily_newsletter_2016-11-10_testB_20160817
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