In the pursuit of longevity, we often focus on physical health: exercise, nutrition, supplements, those weird red lights… However, there’s a significant aspect of well-being that’s often overlooked—our mental attitude! Optimism, the positive outlook on life, isn’t just a feel-good emotion; it’s a potent tool that can significantly impact our longevity and overall quality of life. If you find your self in Pessimism Mode saying, “That won’t help me live longer,” I have a question for you, Why would you want to live longer if you’re going to be miserable? One of the most important aspects of a good life is a compelling future and the ability to direct your focus to remain optimistic.
The Science Behind Optimism and Longevity
Numerous studies have shown the profound effects of optimism on health and longevity. Research conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that optimistic individuals had a significantly reduced risk of dying from various causes, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory disease, and infection, compared to their less optimistic counterparts. Moreover, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine concluded that optimism was associated with a lower risk of mortality from all causes.
Okay fine, we should all be holding hands and singing, “Good Morning Starshine,” but how does optimism improve healthspan and lifespan? One key factor is its influence on stress. Optimism can lower chronic stress, which, as you know, has been linked to numerous health problems. Moreover, being courageous enough to be optimistic can put you in a frame of mind to better handle whatever life throws at you.
It’s possible that optimism can put you in an upward spiral of positive emotions and positive outcomes. Optimistic individuals are more likely to engage in behaviors that promote well-being, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, having a positive social circle and adhering to medical recommendations. In turn, these behaviours can help you to feel more positive and the cycle continues.
Cultivating Optimism for Longevity and Healthspan
Fortunately, optimism is not an innate trait but rather A SKILL THAT CAN BE DEVELOPED! Here are some strategies to harness the power of optimism:
- Practice Gratitude: There are many ways to do this. Some people prefer to call it thankfulness, glimmers, loves, happy moments etc. Prayer is another great way to practice gratitude and optimism.
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: Pay attention to your internal dialogue and challenge negative thoughts when they arise. Choose to see it as a moment of success when you catch yourself engaging in a thought process that is not useful to your life and choose a more beneficial thought.
- Surround Yourself with Realistic Positivity: Surround yourself with the right influences, whether it’s supportive friends and family members, inspirational books and podcasts, or uplifting music and art. Make efforts to reduce the time you spend in environments or with people who drag you down. #boundaries
- Practice Mindfulness: There is a world of mindfulness out there for you! Tree bathing, emotional freedom technique/tapping, enjoying art, mindful eating, relaxation, taking a deep breath every time the phone rings. Keep your mind open and see what methods work for you.
- Set Realistic Goals: Setting and working towards realistic goals can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, fueling optimism for the future. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way.
- Seek Social Support: Cultivate strong social connections with friends, family, and community members. Social support is a powerful buffer against stress and adversity, fostering resilience and optimism.
- Don’t Be Too Focused On Yourself: Take time to give back to those around you. Take time each day to appreciate others. Choose a cause that you feel drawn to and donate time or money as you can within your resources. Whatever energy you put in to it, you will get at least that much out of it.
Optimism is not just a fleeting emotion; it’s a mindset that can profoundly impact our health and longevity. I want to return to my original question, Why would you want to live longer if you’re miserable? And leave you with one final piece of advice. Just like the song says, “We’re here for a good time, not a long time.” Although, if we are here for a good time, we may also be here for a long time 🙂
ZenwithGwen 