Optimism has a widespread impact on our physical health, as well as our psychological wellbeing:
Resilience
Optimism
Optimism is a positive approach to life, particularly when hurdles, setbacks and adverse events are encountered. It is a mindset that helps us to see what went wrong but remain hopeful that it can be improved in the future. Whilst some view it (and it’s opposite pessimism) as a set personality trait, it is more useful to think of it as the way we explain to ourselves the causes of good and bad things that happen to us. If we take this latter approach, it then follows that an optimistic mindset can be learnt, practiced and strengthened.
Benefits of Optimism
- Optimists have been found to have a 15% longer lifespan than pessimists
- They also have a 35% decreased risk of heart attack and stroke when compared to pessimists
- Better immune system functioning and lower levels of circulating cortisol (affecting blood sugar levels, metabolism and memory formulation).
- Cope better with stress
- Better problem-solving capabilities
- Greater relationship satsifaction
More About Optimism
When something goes wrong
- An optimist is less likely to see it purely as a result of their own failings and more able to see the impact of external factors.
- They are also more likely to see it as a temporary state which can be changed, and something that is limited to that specific event, rather than every aspect of their lives.
Seek out information
- Optimists are more likely to seek out information, ask for help and take action to bring about positive changes in their lives.
Control what you can
- Optimists identify what they can control or influence in a situation as well as accept the things they can’t change.
- Therefore, they manage their energy better and channel that into taking steps towards changing the situation at hand.
Impacts on:
- Medical
- Connections
- Lifestyle
- Sleep
- Work
- Self-efficacy and Mastery
Strategies to Improve Optimism
1. Think of recent negative event:
- Was it the result of your own inability or external factors? Or was it a combination of both? On a personal level, what could you have improved on or upskilled on? What external factors could you influence next time?
- How did you feel? Despondent and powerless or energised by the challenge to do better next time?
- What does the incident mean for the future for you? Do you expect this outcome will happen again? Can you see it as a ‘one-off’ occurrence? What would it take to see this an an interesting challenge to overcome rather than a threat?
2. Facilitate a more positive outlook.
- Avoid excess exposure to negative news.
- Seek out positive relationships.
- Manage energy levels.
- Practice gratitude.
- Try not to be hijacked by future (and imagined) fears.
