10 Beautiful Benefits of Optimism to Cheer
Optimism is a positive mental attitude that directs us towards goals we want to achieve. Optimistic people have a higher degree of self-confidence than their pessimistic counterparts. In addition, they tend to take charge of their own lives rather than waiting around for things to happen. There are many benefits of optimism, one of them is that they are less likely to suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, and stress.
Studies show that optimistic people perform better academically, professionally, and socially than pessimists do. When faced with negative situations, optimists tend to think positively about them while pessimists focus on what’s wrong. That way, optimists make fewer mistakes and experience fewer failures. As a result, they earn more money and are more successful at work.
The following are some of the benefits of being an optimist:
It might seem counterintuitive, but being optimistic makes us happy. A study published in Psychological Science showed that people who were asked to write about two positive events (such as receiving good news) reported feeling significantly less depressed than those who wrote about negative events. So if you want to feel happier, start thinking positively.
Studies show that optimists get less sleep than pessimists. However, optimists do not need as much sleep as pessimists.
A study conducted at Harvard University showed that optimistic people lived longer than those who were pessimistic.
4. You are more creative:
Researchers at Cornell University studied how optimism affects creativity. They found that optimists tended to be more creative than pessimists. Taking a personality development course can help you think positively which will eventually lead to creativity.
5. Your relationships improve:
Optimistic People tend to have stronger friendships and romantic relationships.
6. You’ll make friends easier:
If you’ve ever been told that you need to smile more often, then you know how hard it is to fake happiness. But smiling isn’t just about making others feel comfortable around you, we genuinely feel happier when we smile. Smiling helps us connect with others, build relationships, and create friendships. If you want to make new friends, try practicing a genuine smile.
7. Your body will thank you:
Optimism may help prevent heart disease and cancer. One theory is that optimistic people are healthier because they take care of their bodies better. Another possible explanation is that optimism gives them the motivation to seek out medical treatment earlier. Either way, cultivating optimism could increase your chances of staying healthy throughout life.
Women who felt stressed had lower levels of estrogen, a hormone associated with aging skin. When you feel anxious, cortisol, a stress hormone, floods your system. Cortisol is known to damage collagen production, which causes wrinkles and sagging skin. By helping you stay calm and focused, optimism can help keep you looking young.
9. You’ll perform better at work:
Studies suggest that optimists are more successful at work because they’re able to focus on what’s right instead of dwelling on what went wrong. Research indicates that optimists are more motivated and driven, and they’re more productive. Being an optimist means you’ll be able to handle setbacks without letting them get the best of you.
Being optimistic allows you to avoid worrying about things that go wrong. Studies show that people who worry excessively are more likely to develop insomnia. Worrying doesn’t allow our brains to relax enough to fall asleep. Instead of worrying, focus on what’s going well.
Originally published at http://www.behance.net on November 4, 2022.
