There are times when what is popularly known is completely different from what science says. However, in the case of optimism, both popular wisdom and scientific positive psychology are in complete agreement. That is why we will talk about optimism has its scientific endorsement and we show you what it is.
What really is optimism?
Many times it is thought that one of the meanings of optimism is only to think positively. Or also observe the good things, as if simply wishing or imagining the situations is more than enough for them to happen. However, the truth is that this is not so.
Positive psychology and much research affirms that optimism is not simply a way of thinking. It is also an attitude, of how those thoughts are translated into actions, of all the steps that are actively undertaken and the way in which a person behaves, especially in the face of adversity.
A person who is optimistic believes that they can handle adversity successfully, and because of this, they face challenges with more perseverance and greater confidence. On the other hand, a pessimistic person always expects the worst, has many doubts and avoids acting in the face of all challenges. Regarding the meanings of optimism, this is a difference of great importance, since it directly influences health and when managing stress.
What impact does optimism have on health?
According to positive psychology and other branches of science, optimism can have a positive impact on health. Among the benefits offered by optimism are:
Improves the general condition
Optimism is thought to be able to make people more conscious about their health. Which leads them to learn much more about the subject. This is something that goes hand in hand with positive psychology and some scientific research.
What’s more, research carried out by the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin revealed that optimistic people feel more concerned about learning how and why heart attacks happen. As well as what are the risk factors that influence stress and conditions caused by alcohol intake.
Following the meanings of optimism, it is good to keep in mind that these people are not only concerned with always being informed on issues related to health. The aforementioned study found that optimists tend to exercise more. In addition to that, they also opt for a more balanced diet and have a better quality of sleep.
more longevity
Positive psychology is not the only one that has been able to affirm about the benefits of optimism. A compilation of various studies that were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences followed some 69,744 women for approximately 10 years. And it also followed some 1,429 men for about 30 years. All with the aim of finding the relationship between a longer life and optimism.
Some phrases of optimism can serve to boost this attitude. But going back to the study, his team of researchers was able to discover that both optimistic men and women had 15% more longevity. Compared to those who have lower levels of optimism.
Similarly, it was determined that optimistic women and men were up to 70% more likely to reach 85 years of age. The reasons for something like this to happen could be many. However, the researchers think that the most evident is that optimistic people tend to have behaviors capable of promoting health. Well be a greater activity in the open air, and not have vices like smoking.
Another reason that could be related is that a person who has developed optimism has a greater ability to regulate their emotions efficiently. Because of this they can recover much faster and with greater ease from circumstances that are stressful.
Seek more efficient measures
Having developed optimism does not mean that people are exempt from facing suffering, accidents or chronic illnesses. However, the way you think makes a big difference in how you cope with situations.
A study carried out in Personality and Social Psychology Review was able to reveal that optimism is capable of promoting one of strategies that are more assertive. In order to deal with problems or to reduce their severity.
When a mind is optimistic, it seems to be much more focused on searching, understanding and having options to solve the problem. And from there, choose the most appropriate strategy, which allows you to have a greater sense of control and ownership in a difficult situation.
More persistence and achievement
Performances like this could be related to optimistic thinking. A study was conducted with athletes that found impressive results. Those who were led to believe that they had less than pleasant results on the records they already held were more likely to underperform in the future. Compared to individuals who were constantly encouraged to have a more optimistic belief.
Believing and trusting that it is possible to achieve a goal allows individuals, through positive thinking, to get through adversity more successfully. As well as obstacles, setbacks or challenges, becoming a resilient and persistent person.
Better support in adverse circumstances
Published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology is research that says optimistic people tend to have stronger relationships. They also surround themselves less with social interactions that are negative.
Apart from this, a person who has developed optimism has greater abilities to maintain long-term friendships. Therefore, in adverse circumstances they receive and have more support, compared to the social relationships of someone who is pessimistic.
Something like this could be that people tend to prefer to sympathize with people who have positive thoughts. Unlike people who always keep negative thoughts.
However, despite the fact that a pessimistic person is in situations in which he does not receive the appropriate support, a positive thought will make him believe satisfaction. Then, he will feel satisfied with his social relations and also with the support that they could have given him. When it really couldn’t be favourable.
Improvement in emotional health
An investigation that was published in Psychiatric Clinics of North America was able to reveal that changing or reframing the perspective in thinking using cognitive therapy could be just as efficient as the use of medication. In addition to this, he also states that cognitive therapy is more effective in the long term.
Those people who undergo this kind of therapy tend to have more control over their emotions and setbacks that may occur in the future. It means then that optimism is not only capable of improving, but it can also maintain good health on an emotional level. Here are some tips that can be applied to put cognitive restructuring into practice:
– Take a moment and proceed to identify which circumstance is causing negative moods or thoughts.
– Evaluate the feelings that are emerging.
– Allow thoughts to flow, and at the same time identify the negative thoughts that give as a response to that situation.
– Take out the arguments that are evidencing, refuting or supporting the thoughts that are negative.
– Plan an objective or a realistic goal that resolves that situation and replace negative thoughts with that new project.
Less cognitive decline
Having a partner who has developed optimism offers many benefits, especially for health. Among these, it can be mentioned that less cognitive deterioration occurs. This is confirmed by a study carried out by the Journal of Personality.
This is an investigation that was based on following some 4,457 heterosexual couples for 8 years. It was there that it was concluded that optimism, either individually or as a couple, is positively related to all cognitive functioning. Thus, it allows adults to maintain less deterioration and more cognitive function as they age.
It is thought that having an optimistic partner leads to more activities that are beneficial to overall health. This translates into more outdoor outings and maintaining a good exercise routine. Also adding a diet that decreases the factors that are related to cognitive deterioration.
Sources: Body mind, Very health and nmas1.