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I saw an interesting post on the internet recently that cited a study done by the Mayo Clinic indicating that optimists tend to live longer than pessimists.
The research began in the 1960s where groups were tested and categorized as being either optimists, pessimists or a combination of both.
Over 40 years later, researchers have revisited the study and have found that optimists have a 20% greater chance of survival than their pessimistic counterparts.
Although the study didn’t speculate on why those with a positive outlook on life are more likely to live longer, it seems obvious that optimists are more likely to be proactive in taking care of themselves and less prone to depression and other negative ailments.
This study should encourage us to take a closer look at the long term benefits of positive thinking on our health, beyond the immediate pleasure it brings. It seems more and more evident that it is absolutely essential to stop negative thoughts and emotions before they become a habit.
Many people feel helpless when confronted with feelings of depression or sadness. But there are a variety of programs available that can be extremely effective in helping people to change their feelings and develop habits of thinking (and feeling) more positive. One source for this is an inexpensive book you can find on the web at http://www.changingyouremotions.com.
Whatever methods you use, it is important to start taking your thoughts more seriously and to do what you can to become more optimistic. When you do, you’ll not only enjoy your life more … you’ll also enjoy it longer.
Stay Healthy.
Tags: depression, health, mayo clinic, optimists, pessimists, positive thinking, sadness
