Optimism, or the belief that things will work out well, not only has a profound impact on both mental and emotional wellbeing, it also plays a crucial role in your physical health. The benefits of maintaining a positive mindset cannot be overstated and if you consistently remain optimistic, there are several remarkable ways that this can boost your wellbeing and enhance your overall health.
Science has discovered that cultivating a positive outlook directly leads to a longer, happier, healthier life but it’s crucial to remember that optimism is much more than just an upbeat attitude.
To understand optimism, we need to view it as both a cognitive and emotional stance – one that’s characterised by hope and a secure confidence that there will be a positive outcome. An optimistic person tends to see challenges as opportunities, viewing setbacks as temporary, and finding it relatively easy to keep a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.
The mind-body link
The mind-body connection is well documented and this phenomenon highlights the important and intricate link between our mental and physical wellbeing. As optimism is a mental state of mind, it plays a significant role in both body and mental wellbeing.
There are several ways a healthy mind can impact your physical and mental health:
1. Lowered stress levels
Optimism acts as a natural buffer against stress and when you consistently maintain a positive outlook, you are better equipped to deal with stressful situations. By remaining optimistic, you’re more likely to see challenges as manageable, and having this perception alone can help to significantly lower your stress levels.
Reduced stress is associated with multiple health benefits, including a more robust immune system, enhanced cardiovascular health, and lower blood pressure.
2. Boosted immune function
Being an optimist gives you a powerful boost to your immune system, with research suggesting that people with a positive mindset possess higher levels of immune-boosting cells. Having an increased immune function makes it easier for your body to defend itself against infections and chronic diseases, keeping you healthier for longer and lowering your chance of contracting many serious disorders.
3. Faster healing and recovery
Optimism can significantly speed up the body’s healing and recovery process. People who have a positive attitude, tend to take better care of their health, going for regular check ups, eating well, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and sticking to treatment plans diligently. Experts have discovered that this type of mindset can lead to quicker healing and better outcomes when it comes to illness, surgery, or injury.
4. Increased longevity
If you have a sunny disposition, there’s a higher chance you’ll live longer, as this is associated with longevity. Studies consistently show that optimists tend to outlive their pessimistic counterparts, a phenomena that could be attributed to lower levels of stress, improved health, and an increased likelihood of following a healthy lifestyle.
5. Better heart health –
Optimism has a direct correlation with good heart health and optimistic individuals are also more likely to adopt heart-healthy behaviours, like consuming a balanced diet, taking regular exercise and avoiding tobacco and excessive amounts of alcohol. Each of these factors contributes to a reduced risk of heart disease and when several are combined the effect is even more powerful.
6. Improved pain management
Optimism also influences how we perceive and manage pain and studies have indicated that optimistic individuals experience lower levels of pain and discomfort. Additionally, those with a positive outlook are more likely to engage in activities that promote pain relief, such as exercising or practising relaxation techniques, like meditation.
7. Strengthened resilience
Having an optimistic outlook also enhances your ability to rebound from life’s challenges. When you envision a positive outcome, you’re more likely to get through difficult times and learn valuable lessons from adversity. This kind of resilience has a protective effect on your mental and emotional well-being during hardships, helping to prevent chronic stress and its associated catalogue of health issues.