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Some people are born optimists. Even in the most difficult times, they do not lose heart. As it turned out, their positive outlook on life not only helps to solve problems effectively, but also improves health! How to learn to see the positives in everything?
Research shows that optimists tend to be healthier and live longer—they are more likely to live to age 85. However, it is not yet known exactly how the tendency to optimism affects health.
Both biological factors and behavior can play a role here. For example, optimists tend to have lower cholesterol levels and less markers of inflammation. Perhaps the fact is that they tend to lead a healthy lifestyle – they are often physically active, eat right, do not smoke, do not abuse alcohol.
“We still don’t know exactly why optimists have better health on average. Perhaps the tendency to optimism affects their well-being at the level of physiology, and perhaps the point is in their healthy lifestyle. Most likely, both factors play a role, ”explains Laura Kubzansky, head of the Center for Happiness and Health at the Harvard University Clinic.
But what about those who are not so optimistic in nature? Is it possible to develop the ability to think positively?
What influences the tendency to optimism?
Our “optimism” is about 30% dependent on heredity. But other factors also play a big role, such as income, level of education, place of residence and social status.
Changing environments and social circles can make us more optimistic. But, of course, in reality it is not so easy to pull it off. There are other ways.
Here are four ways that can help develop an optimistic bias.
Look for new opportunities
In difficult times, try to find some positive options for yourself. For example, if you have to wait in line for a long time, you can use this free time to good use – read a book or call a friend.
If injury or illness has disrupted your workout routine, focus on the activities that are available to you now, such as light stretching or elastic band exercises.
“If you manage to switch to something positive in an unpleasant situation, by doing so you remind yourself that troubles are not eternal and problems can be overcome,” Kubzansky explains.
Focus on your strengths
Try a simple exercise. List your main strengths – creativity, perseverance, kindness, curiosity, and so on. Pick one and think of ways you can actively tap into that strength of your personality today.
For example, you chose perseverance. Make a list of things that have been bad for you lately and try to deal with them. If you chose curiosity, try doing something completely new and unfamiliar.
Repeat this exercise every day for a week (you can choose a new quality every day or use the same one).
Keep a thank you diary
Optimists are usually grateful to life for everything they have. Keep a journal in which you list reasons for gratitude – it can be very important things (good health) or everyday pleasures (a nice gift, a great dinner, etc.).
Create a mental image of the “best version of yourself”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? And after 10? This exercise will answer key questions. What are you really doing now? What is important to you and why? It will help to define new goals and main directions for further development.
“By presenting the “best version of ourselves”, we open up new horizons and begin to look to the future with optimism,” says Laura Kubzansky.