New Study Shows Why Optimistic People are Healthier
Optimists believe that having a positive perception brings them better health. But this isn’t just a bright idea. According to a new study from Loyola University in Chicago, there is real scientific evidence to support a positive attitude protecting your mind and body.
Evidence is mounting. In the study, headed by Fred Bryant, professor of psychology at Loyola, looked at several studies examining the health benefits of optimism. For instance, optimistic people are half as likely to experience a cardiovascular event compared with their less positive peers, found a recent review of more than 200 previous studies. Experts say the link may be attributed to "confounding factors," like the fact that happier people may be less likely to be obese, poor, or involved in unhealthy behaviours. But in this review, the association held true even after the researchers controlled for things like smoking, body weight, and socioeconomic status.
People who think positively may also live longer, be less likely to catch colds, and be better able to cope during hard times, according to more research. Researchers aren’t entirely sure why, but they think it may have to do with happy people’s lower anxiety levels, which protect against the harmful physical effects of chronic stress, such as inflammation and high blood pressure.
Meanwhile, other studies demonstrate that positive thinking can trump physical exhaustion. When physically fit men and women gave themselves repeated motivational talks on stationary bikes in one study, they rode 18 per cent longer before hitting the point of total exhaustion.
So what if you aren’t a natural optimist? Bryant says anyone can train himself to think more positively, simply by practicing one simple skill. "Crucial to being happy and healthy is the capacity to savour the moment -- to appreciate on-going positive experiences in our everyday lives."
Brant said there are plenty of ways to harness optimism. For instance, it could be as easy as taking note of small, positive things in your life, and being thankful for them, taking the time to soak up and appreciate everyday beauty – a sunset, your kid playing in the yard — and feeling pride and accomplishment doing a job well.
Source of this article: Are Positive People Really Healthier?
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