Jan 08, 2020
If you need help looking on the bright side,
researchers may have found proof behind the power of positive thinking. Decades
of research suggest that seeing the glass “half full” or “half empty” may be an
indicator of our chances of living beyond the age of 85.
A recent study finds that optimism may increase a
person’s life span by 11 to 15 percent, according to the Boston University
School of Medicine and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study’s
participants also showed a 50 to 70 percent boost in achieving what they deem
as “exceptional longevity” — defined by living to the age of 85 or beyond —
through one’s optimistic outlook.
The link to a more positive mindset was
discovered in both sexes, after researchers divided groups based on levels of
optimism — highest, lowest and in-between — while examining their mortality
statistics.
In addition, researchers found that reaching
exceptional longevity is “independent of socioeconomic status, health
conditions, depression, social integration and health behaviors like smoking,
diet or alcohol use.”
Positive thinking doesn’t just boost mental
health, researchers say, it may also help lead to better cardiovascular health
and a higher survival rate for those diagnosed with cancer and other health
benefits.
The Mayo Clinic says
positive thinking may also:
·
Lower rates of
depression
·
A greater resistance
to the common cold
·
Better psychological
and physical well-being
·
Develop coping skills
during hardships and times of stress
One prevailing theory behind these benefits is
that optimistic people may be more motivated to maintain healthier habits —
like exercising more and smoking less. It may also help regulate their emotions
and behaviors with resiliency.
If you’re not an overly sunny person, don’t
fret. Research-backed recommendations show
how to help you boost your positivity and re-wire your brain. Some of the ideas
include:
·
Accentuate
the positive: Try positive
affirmations and keep positive thoughts at the forefront of your mind.
·
Stop
comparing: If you find yourself
in a rabbit hole of comparison on social media, put your phone down and
remember each person has unique value to share.
·
Eliminate
the negative: It’s easy to fall
into a negative spiral of thinking. Do something to short-circuit that train of
thought. Grab your favorite book, exercise, listen to music, call a friend.
·
Self-care: Show yourself some love through a healthy
diet, exercise and sleep to improve physical and mental health. Try
mindfulness. The practice of focusing on the present moment may have a powerful
impact on your outlook.
·
Learn: Challenge your mind to learn something new
each day to give your brain a boost.
·
Spiritual
care: Center yourself by
exploring your own beliefs about the meaning and purpose of life through the
philosophical or religious ideas you embrace.
·
Act
locally: Volunteering can
make an immediate positive change to lift your spirits. Try what is meaningful
to you whether it’s donating clothes and household items, cleaning up a
neighborhood or road, or helping out at a school or senior center. Consider
random acts of kindness to bring joy to others.
If you are feeling a little gloomy, know that
science shows the power of putting optimism to practice, a pursuit that may
hold lifelong rewards.
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