Optimism is Good for Your Health

I got to be a Tough Old Bird with a Soft Spot for Single Moms and Women Having Tough Times by living through years of tough times myself. Living for a lot of years has taught me that people who are optimistic about the future lead happier and healthier lives.

James Clear writes about how behavior science to help you master your habits and improve your health. He says, “when you are experiencing positive emotions like joy, contentment, and love, you will see possibilities in your life.”

Do you have a dream possibility?

What if you gave yourself permission to dream? You might discover your optimism that is dormant. You might wake it up. As sad as I was at times, and sometimes for a very good reason, I still had optimism and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

“According to a series of studies from the U.S. and Europe, optimism helps people cope with disease and recover from surgery. Even more impressive is the impact of a positive outlook on overall health and longevity. Research tells us that an optimistic outlook early in life can predict better health and a lower rate of death during follow-up periods of 15 to 40 years.” This comes from Harvard Health Publications.

There are a few things you should not do when awakening your undeveloped optimism.

3 Things Not to Do:

1. Watch 24/7 news. News media must come up with news stories to fill the airways. It’s their job. Don’t be surprised when you hear negative twists on all of the news stations. Watching doesn’t increase optimism.
2. Encourage gossipy friends. You’ve probably noticed some people enjoy sharing juicy tidbits about others. It is easy to get sucked into these tempting topics. You can avoid it. When your friends or acquaintances get the idea that you are not going to join in they will likely stop sharing stories with you.
3. Dwell on the past. Your future need not be like your past. Erin Olivo, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City says, “Ruminating is debilitating.” No good comes from it. To learn more

The University of Rochester Medical Center suggests ways to change your mindset:

• Think positive thoughts about yourself and others.
• Stop comparing yourself to others.
• Try to find the good in every situation.

For more CLICK.

Changing our way of thinking is a challenge that does have benefits, not just in one area but also in all areas of our lives.

I hold a degree from Lamar University in Speech and a Master’s from the University of Texas. I was an educator in regular and special education for twenty years, finishing my professional career as a Braille teacher. I am a Certified Professional Coach with Fowler International Academy.
I married Sam after raising three children as a single mother. In 2007 I founded SMORE for Women. SMORE is a nonprofit association whose goal is Single Moms, Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, & Empowered. My stories have been published in several Christian books and magazines. My book, Living Learning Loving, published in July 2015, is available for purchase on Amazon