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Elizabeth Caplin

how optimism has been proven to increase longevity

describing optimism

The Incredible Power of Optimism: Embrace the Bright Side for a Longer, Happier Life!


Did you know, optimistic people tend to have lower levels of inflammation and healthier cholesterol levels compared with less optimistic people?


According to Kubzansky (Co-Director of the Center for Health and Happiness at Harvard School of Public Health), optimism is approximately 25% to 30% heritable. This means there is room for other factors to influence optimism quite substantially!




 


So, how does optimism work it's magic on longevity?


Scientists believe that optimistic individuals tend to engage in healthier behaviors, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and maintaining strong social connections.

Additionally, optimism has been shown to reduce stress levels, promote adaptive coping strategies, and enhance the immune system's functioning, all of which contribute to improved overall health and increased longevity.


How does this optimism magic work on a biological level?


Well, scientists believe that optimism acts as a shield against the negative effects of stress. When you have a positive mindset, your body responds by releasing feel-good chemicals that counteract the harmful impact of stress hormones. It's like having your own personal superhero protecting you from the wear and tear of daily life.



 

optimism on physical well-being Study

Published by Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine


This groundbreaking study unveiled a remarkable connection between optimism and physical well-being, providing fact-based evidence of its profound effects on inflammation, cardiovascular health, and longevity.

The study followed over 17,000 participants both men and women, over a span of several years, tracking their levels of optimism and assessing various health markers. The findings astounded the scientific community and shed light on the significant impact of optimism on our bodies and overall longevity.

One of the key discoveries of the study was the link between optimism and reduced inflammation. Participants with higher levels of optimism exhibited lower levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). This reduction in inflammation is vital, as chronic inflammation is associated with the development and progression of numerous diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Speaking of cardiovascular health, the study also revealed the profound benefits of optimism in this realm. Optimistic individuals showcased healthier heart profiles, with lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and reduced risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. These results were not simply coincidental, as the researchers controlled for other factors like age, lifestyle choices, and pre-existing health conditions.


Check out JAMA Network's article for more exciting research relating to the benefits of opting for optimism for your physical well-being! Click here


So, the power of optimism is not just wishful thinking—it's a scientifically proven phenomenon with tangible health benefits. By cultivating a positive mindset and embracing optimism, we can potentially reduce inflammation, protect our cardiovascular health, and enhance our chances of leading longer, healthier lives.



 

Must Read - Learned Optimism, Martin Seligman -The Father of Positive Psychology.


I came across this book, 'Learned Optimism,' at a time when I felt the world at large was against me. Everywhere I turned, I was knocked down or shut out, and I believed it was simply a stroke of bad luck. However, delving into Martin Seligman's profound insights, I quickly realized that it wasn't the world that was against me; it was my mindset and how I viewed the world. 'Learned Optimism' became a beacon of hope, showing me that I had the power to shape my own perception and transform my life. It provided me with the tools to challenge negative thoughts, re-frame setbacks, and embrace a more positive outlook. This book was a game-changer for me, guiding me towards a newfound sense of resilience, empowerment, and optimism.


image of the book learned optimism


"Life inflicts the same setbacks and tragedies on the on the optimist as on the pessimist, but the optimist weathers them better"- Martin Seligman


Where to buy paper book: Click here to buy on amazon


Where to listen: Click here to listen on audiobooks



 

Here are some fun ways to reduce pessimism and foster overall well being


  1. Random acts of kindness: Spread positivity by performing random acts of kindness. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee, leave uplifting notes in public places, or volunteer for a cause you care about. Acts of kindness not only brighten someone else's day but also bring joy and optimism. I like to pay for the next driver when going through the toll booth! You should try it, it feels great!

  2. Dance like nobody's watching: Turn up the music and dance freely. Let go of inhibitions and enjoy the moment! Dancing releases endorphins, which are known to boost mood and promote a positive outlook.

  3. Focus on solutions: Instead of dwelling on problems and obstacles, shift your focus to finding solutions. Train yourself to look for possibilities and take proactive steps to address challenges. This proactive mindset can help you develop a more optimistic outlook.

  4. Reflect on past successes: Remind yourself of past achievements and successes, no matter how small they may seem. Reflecting on your accomplishments can boost your self-confidence and remind you of your capabilities.

  5. Practice appreciation: We can find appreciation in everything, everywhere. Although when we are feeling low it can seem distant. Put effort into seeking appreciation, you have nothing to lose!

  6. Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy can help with pessimism by identifying and reframing negative beliefs, enhancing self-esteem and confidence, and promoting visualisation of positive outcomes. By accessing the subconscious mind and addressing underlying issues, you can develop a more optimistic mindset. However, it's important to work with a trained hypnotherapist like myself.

 

Optimistic Horizons: Empowering Change through Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy can be a useful tool in helping individuals who struggle with being optimistic. While it's important to note that results may vary from person to person, hypnotherapy can address underlying factors contributing to pessimism and help cultivate a more positive outlook. Here are a few ways hypnotherapy may assist in this regard:

  1. Identifying and reframing negative beliefs: Hypnotherapy can help uncover subconscious beliefs that contribute to pessimism. By accessing the subconscious mind, as a hypnotherapist I can guide you to explore and reframe negative thoughts, replacing them with more positive and optimistic perspectives.

  2. Enhancing self-esteem and confidence: Pessimism is often associated with low self-esteem and self-doubt. Through hypnotherapy, positive suggestions and affirmations can be implanted in the subconscious mind to boost self-esteem and confidence. By addressing these underlying issues, a more optimistic mindset can be fostered.

  3. Accessing inner resources: Hypnotherapy can help you tap into their inner resources, such as resilience, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. By accessing and strengthening these internal qualities through hypnosis, individuals can develop a greater sense of optimism and belief in their ability to overcome challenges.

  4. Visualising positive outcomes: Hypnotherapy often incorporates visualisation techniques to help you vividly imagine and experience positive outcomes. By repeatedly visualising optimistic scenarios and outcomes, the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to these possibilities, leading to an increased sense of optimism in daily life.

  5. Stress and anxiety reduction: Pessimism can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Hypnotherapy can induce deep relaxation and help individuals manage stress and anxiety more effectively. By reducing these negative emotional states, a more positive and optimistic mindset can emerge.

Remember, optimism is learned, it is a mindset that can be cultivated with practice.


 


Challenge - I encourage you to seek out a poem, a quote, or something that truly resonates with you and ignites your sense of optimism.

It could be a few lines of verse that speak directly to your heart, or a powerful quote that encapsulates your aspirations and dreams. By finding something that deeply connects with you, you can create a personal source of inspiration that will uplift your spirits during challenging times.


Once you discover that special piece, keep it close to you. Write it down and place it where you'll see it every day, or save it as a screensaver on your phone or laptop. Let it serve as a constant reminder of your innate strength and the power of optimism. When you encounter moments of doubt or uncertainty, return to these words and allow them to reignite your optimism, filling you with renewed energy and determination.

a piece from start where you stand

The poem "Start Where You Stand" by Berton Braley holds a special significance in my life because it was shared with me by the most optimistic person I've ever known. This individual embodies a remarkable ability to see potential in every situation, reminding me that progress is not dependent on where we start, but rather on our determination to take the first step forward. When he introduced me to this poem, it was like receiving a valuable gift—a reminder that we all have the capacity to create positive change, regardless of our current circumstances and that no matter where I find myself, I have the potential to create positive change. His unwavering optimism has been a guiding light, and I've embraced their perspective by figuratively and literally taking a leaf out of his book.




I hope you enjoyed this weeks blog post on how optimism has been proven to increase longevity! Make sure to come back next week for more.










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