Would your mental and emotional health stand up if a challenge came your way right now? It’s true to say that difficulties occur for everybody at some point in their lives, and that how they handle them is a good indicator of their mental wellness and emotional wellbeing. When difficulties occur, it can be all too easy to start thinking negatively and letting things get you down. Instead, why not actively attempt to make yourself an optimistic thinker, so that you can be more ready for anything that life throws at you? After all, optimism benefits not only your mental health but your physical health, too.
Optimists tend to think about what the best possible outcome for a situation could be. For example, after an accident they may feel glad that they were not badly hurt, rather than dwelling on the damage to their car. Studies have shown that those who view the glass as ‘half full’ in this way are more likely to be healthy, have good careers and form successful relationships.
In addition to this, researchers have found optimism to be directly linked to lower rates of mortality and better immune function and heart health. Other studies suggest that breast cancer patients can improve their odds by being optimistic.
Despite all of these benefits, optimism is not easy. Some psychologists think it is possible to learn to be an optimist, whilst others insist that it is something that you are born with (or not). Some even argue that not being optimistic is a defence mechanism to avoid disappointment and letdowns!
To be an optimist, you need to work hard at finding the good in every situation. This will not always be easy. You can also try writing down at the end of the day a few good things that have happened during the day.
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