New research highlights the health benefits of optimism, including better cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia. Psychological interventions or practices can increase optimism.
Research shows optimism may reduce the risk of dementia. Optimists are healthier, less likely to be depressed, and better able to respond to life's challenges.
New research highlights the health benefits of optimism. A recent longitudinal study of over 9000 older adults associated higher optimism with better cognitive function and reduced risk ofOptimists are “people who expect good things to happen to them,” feeling positive about the future . Beingcan help us thrive in many ways.
Research has associated optimism with better emotional and physical health, lower likelihood of, better immune function, greater academic success, the ability to persevere amidst life’s challenges, and the capacity to learn and grow even afterThe good news for us is that research has revealed that we can increase our optimism with psychological interventions or practices . Whatever your level of optimism, you can boost it with one of these practices:and everything has turned out as well as possible . To connect with your best possible self, take time to reflect. Imagine your future, visualize what you’d like to achieve, and imagine what it would look like and feel like if you realized all your deepestyourself, tune in to how you feel. Ask “What am I feeling?
” and name your feelings, whatever they might be. For example, “I feel sad. . . scared.
. . Remind yourself that it’s only human to feel this way. Tell yourself, “It’s OK.
No one’s perfect. ”Actively soothe yourself with kind words, saying something like, “I know this is hard and you’re really hurting right now. I’m here for you” . Pause to acknowledge and be thankful for the good things in your life each day .
Here are three ways to cultivate greaterWhen you wake up in the morning, think of one thing to look forward to. This can be anything from appreciating the taste of your morning coffee to beginning a new project, meeting with a friend, enjoying your favorite hobby, or something else. During the day, pause periodically to focus on something you’re grateful for.
For example, you can appreciate the beauty of sunlight shining through the trees, the bright blue sky overhead, a greeting from a neighbor, a message from a friend, smiling at a loved one, and more. , improve your health, help you overcome adversity, and build greater hope . Try this practice yourself by keeping a gratitude journal, writing down three things you’re grateful for at the end of each day.
Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. . Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Loveday, P.M., Lovell, G. P., & Jones, C. M. . The best possible selves intervention: A review of the literature to evaluate efficacy and guide future research.
Puente-Diaz, R. & Cavazos-Arroyo, J. . Feeling grateful to be optimistic: The influence of recalling special moments on feelings of gratitude and optimism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stenlund, S., Koga, H. K., James, P., Farmer, J., McGrath, C. B., Grodstein, F., & Kubzansky, L. D. . The bright sides of life: Optimism and risk of dementia.
The Best Ways to Begin AgainSelf Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back?
Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.
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