It is often said that the pessimist, in the end, might be right, but the optimist has more fun. We’ve known for a while now that having a positive outlook can have enormous health benefits, so there may be more to it than that. In the future, it’s possible that we’ll discover for sure that optimists live longer and experience a higher quality of life than others. Since we are still learning a lot about how the human brain functions, we still do not know enough about how optimism can improve physical health beyond what research has already been conducted on the link between mental outlook and health. It’s important to remember that optimism does not equate to happiness or success in and of itself. Rather, an optimist, like Disney’s fictitious Pollyanna, seeks the positive aspects of every circumstance, no matter how dire. But what does this have to do with physical health?
The Impact of Optimism on Health
You can find mention of the power of positive thinking in every contemporary self-help program. There are many varieties of the mindset that “you are what you think,” “how you think is what you feel,” and so on. But the reason this idea is so widely held is that it is effective. Generally, mental health benefits significantly from optimism. A positive outlook on life is associated with fewer issues with depression and stress management, all of which have a significant negative influence on general health. The primary cause of the detrimental effects on both mental and physical health is cortisol, sometimes known as the stress hormone. People who are always depressed or anxious release more cortisol, which triggers the body’s adrenaline or fight/flight response. Although this reaction can be helpful in avoiding lions and tigers that suddenly charge at us, if the body does not unwind over time, cortisol can begin to negatively affect heart health, digestion, blood pressure, and a host of other ailments.
Research on the general health of groups that are more stressed than others, such as the poor, tends to indicate that people with stressful lifestyles frequently experience a wide range of physical illnesses, including obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Also included are mental health problems, such as depression and substance abuse. People who let the stress response turn into depression or negative thought patterns typically live shorter lives and suffer from a wider range of physical health conditions.
Stress and negative thinking can also produce cortisol, which can be detrimental to the immune system. The immune system is important in preventing common illnesses like the flu and cold. Health and metabolism are impacted when there is a hormonal imbalance, which can be caused by stress impairing the immune system and an HGH shortage. Genotropin before and after studies also show a link between hormone imbalances and detrimental thinking, which impacts health.
Impact on Longevity
When considering its effects on both mental and physical health, pessimistic thinking may relate to lifespan and life expectancy. Regardless of their social or economic standing, those who report having a more optimistic outlook on life are known to live marginally longer than pessimists. It is well known that those who maintain a positive outlook on life, even in the face of adversity such as poverty or persecution, tend to outlive their contemporaries.
In addition, supporting relationships are important since people with positive outlooks on life frequently get the same rewards as those with supportive relationships. Research indicates that individuals lacking the support of friends and family experience worse health and shorter lifespans, whereas those with a strong support system typically live longer and in better health. Engaging in favored activities also leads to happiness and optimism. People who engage in hobbies or favored pastimes tend to be less stressed and more upbeat, which improves their general health. This is particularly true if the activity entails physical activity or other health-promoting lifestyle decisions like proper food and relaxation.
Impact on Mental Function
Optimism and optimistic thinking also enhance resilience and problem-solving abilities. When a pessimist encounters an unforeseen issue, they frequently respond negatively, causing a stress response that increases cortisol levels and, in certain situations, exacerbates the condition. On the other hand, the optimist approaches the same problem with a more positive outlook and likely finds a solution sooner than the pessimist, believing that creativity and effort can address any problem. When one is not experiencing a panic attack or other stressful reaction, their critical thinking abilities remain intact, thereby enhancing their capacity for problem-solving.
Think Positive!
Optimism is not an inherent personality trait; it is something we can practice and develop. Practices such as keeping a gratitude journal and practicing positivity meditations all help to develop optimism as a way of life. The benefits of optimism are many, documented, and beneficial to overall health. Mental outlook can profoundly impact physical health, which is why optimism is so important to general health and well-being. With past research showing how important mental outlook is on physical health, medial professionals now consider positivity training an essential part of regular medical care, with mental health specialists and counselors now regularly included as part of a medical team for a patient’s condition. The best thing you can do for your overall health regiment is to add mental gymnastics in positivity to your routine of good diet, experience and rest. You will like a much longer, healthier and happier life.
