Can Optimism Positively Affect Your Health?

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Although it might seem far-fetched at first to think that an optimistic attitude can improve your physical health, it’s not as kooky a suggestion as you may think. Consider the effects that stress can have on you. When you feel intense pressure, overwhelming stress can cause headaches, achy joints, stomach pain, and lack of sleep. If not managed over time, stress can lead to life-threatening problems like heart disease, heart failure, and stroke.

Stress is a normal part of the human experience that everyone has to deal with at one point or another. Keeping in mind these adverse side effects of stress may help you to realize the positive potential of an optimistic attitude. Optimism can function to counterbalance stress by focusing on the most beneficial aspects and outcomes of each situation or issue that would otherwise cause you to worry.

The Healing Power of Positive Thinking

Studies show that optimistic people live longer, healthier lives than their more negative counterparts. In particular, people who practice an optimistic way of thinking tend to have better cardiovascular health and feel happier in life overall. Optimistic people can bounce back faster when faced with an adverse health event and have higher rates of surviving cancer. This is why hospitals bring in clowns: to brighten up a patient’s day. Beyond providing mere entertainment, they act as a catalyst to generate happier thoughts. Positive thoughts can lend a person a stronger will to live and thrive.

According to recent studies, optimistic people also tend to know more about the steps they need to take in order to live a strong and healthy life. Optimistic people generally educate themselves more on cardiovascular health and other forms of personal wellness, such as how alcohol, smoking, and stress are bad for your heart. 

Taking a Solution-Focused Approach to Rejection

We are all subject to facing rejection in every area of our affairs. This is a normal part of being alive. You will not always get the job, house, or car that you want, and even things you think are certain bets can always surprise you. What defines your measure as a person is not how you react when you win – it’s about how you react to failure. When dealing with rejections, it can be especially effective to adopt an optimistic thought process. 

Deciding to be an optimist takes you closer to mastering coping strategies when things don’t go your way. You choose to find the best way to process trauma and release the severity of negative feelings. In cases where trauma is more than you can handle with the power of positive thinking alone, your next step is to go into management mode. You’ll spend your time and energy working towards a solution instead of languishing in sorrow.

How Optimism Can Improve Your Life

Optimistic people still deal with worry and fear just like everyone else. The only difference is that they’ve made the conscious effort to adopt a positive attitude no matter what happens. You’ll be as aware as ever of the things that can and do go wrong, in your life and in the world; instead of waiting for life to happen to you, you’ll simply take as much control over things as you can.

Taking control of your mind is the first step to internal happiness. The next step is to control what you can outside of your mind. While you can’t control the world around you, you can control your health and the things you put inside your body. Optimists are more likely to exercise and avoid smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol. People who look on the brighter side of life are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors like substance abuse and risky sexual behavior. 

Everybody Likes Optimistic People

People usually tend to gravitate to optimistic people more than pessimists. As a result, optimistic people often have a larger number of friends, stronger bonds, a more robust support system, and less drama in their life. Living as an optimistic person means that you will have access to a trustworthy support system in your time of need. 

Adopting optimistic thought processes will cause you to consistently view the world with a glass-half-full mentality. You’ll be more satisfied with life, even when facing more challenges. Although this does not mean that your life will be perfect, it means that you have chosen to be happy in their life. The struggles of daily life can induce stress, depression, and anxiety, so starting each day with a positive mindset can help combat the negatives and keep you moving forward with confidence. 

Adopting an optimistic attitude can serve as a crucial first step towards achieving a lasting positive change in your daily life. Making the decision to be more optimistic can open the door to stronger relationships, a more balanced mind,  and a healthier body. It isn’t always easy to change your mindset, especially if you’re dealing with mental illness or addiction. If you’re struggling with depression, consistent negativity, or substance abuse, you don’t have to try to turn things around on your own. Getting professional help for personal development and emotional stability can lead you to take on a more positive approach to your entire outlook on life. Kimberly Center in Fort Myers, Florida, offers a wide range of treatments for addiction, mental illness, and personal growth. If you’re ready to take on a more positive attitude and regain control over your life, reach out to us at (855) 452-3683 to learn more.

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