One More Reason to Be Positive: Study Links Optimism to Heart Health

Remember the saying “Smile, it’s not going to kill you”? Well, leave it to science to prove that very saying true. It seems that smiling and being optimistic may be associated with better cardiovascular health.

In particular, a recent study found that those who reported being more optimistic tended to have better heart health. What does that mean for the rest of us? Quit sulking and be positive and grateful for the opportunities presented to you! But who needs that, you have a better excuse to smile at your co-workers, it’s for your health.

The Study

The study on optimism and heart health conducted at the University of Illinois is one of the first to take into play socioeconomic factors, age, race, and smoking just to name a few. What this means is that the study was more inclusive and is relatable to a larger audience.

Participants were between the ages of 45 and 84 were not only asked to take a few physical exams, do blood work, but also fill out forms relating to their mental health. Those participants who reported having higher levels of optimism, in turn, had medically backed better health!

What That Means

This study has taken a look at some of the most devastating factors of a person’s health, such as the cholesterol level and overall cardiovascular health.

Those who were more optimistic had better health scores, while the participants who were the most optimistic were twice as likely to have ideal cardiovascular health. However, making oneself more optimistic is certainly easier said than done, but there are easy ways to promote a healthier you.

A few of the ways you can give yourself a better view of life include:

Reducing Stress

Stress is one of the main factors that make people unhappy. Unfortunately, stress is found in most aspects of life, but it doesn’t have to! When it comes to making big decisions, you can sweat the details, but choosing what you are going to wear that day should not be giving you any issues.

When it comes to your job or family causing you stress, find an outlet like a hobby to take your mind off of the current situation.

Take Some Personal Time

People often spread themselves so thin that they lose the spark of their life. Do not become an empty shell! When you are looking to improve your overall outlook on life, remember that you are more important than everyone else. You need to make yourself happy before you can help anyone else.

Be Grateful

While it may seem quite contrary to what many people think, you do not need to have things to make you happy. If you take a look at your situation and find the good in it and focus on that, all the other pieces will fall into place. One small positive thought about your day, over the course of a week, will help you see that things are getting better!

Improving one’s health is something many people strive to do. Going to the gym or buying organic foods is expensive and is another “chore” people have to do. Finally, you can get better health by simply changing your outlook on life.

Those who are more optimistic about their situation are healthier, happier, and more productive. So instead of hitting the gym every day, find to give your perspective on life a workout too.