Aug 09
Always look on the bright side – it could lead to longer life.
I read some fascinating research today that showed – again – the effects of positive thinking on health.
A study of 100,000 women showed that the optimistic ones had a nine per cent lower chance of developing heart disease.
The research, from the University of Pittsburgh, examined the women aged 50 to 79 who were initially free of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
It revealed that those seen as having positive characters were less likely to die from conditions linked to diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol or have depressive symptoms, smoke, be sedentary or have a high body mass index.
But women with a high degree of ‘cynical hostility’ were at a higher risk of dying earlier.
Women were deemed to be optimistic if they agreed with statements such as: ‘In unclear times, I usually expect the best.’ Pessimism was defined as agreeing: ‘If something can go wrong for me, it will.’
Lead author Hilary Tindle said: ‘As a physician, I’d like to see people try to reduce their negativity in general. The evidence suggests that sustained, high degrees of negativity are hazardous to health.’
It’s sometimes tough to be regularly upbeat but it’s worth making the effort.
One of the best books I’ve read recently on the subject is Happy for no Reason, by Marci Shimoff. She interviewed 100 happy individuals and distilled their attitudes alongside the latest research. One of her tips is to keep a gratitude journal. Here’s what she said:
‘In an experiment by Dr. Robert Emmons at the University of California-Davis, people who kept a gratitude journal, a weekly record of things they felt grateful for, enjoyed better physical health, were more optimistic, exercised more regularly, and described themselves as happier than a control group who didn’t keep journals.’
What’s your favourite tip for beating the blues?
Hi Fiona,
I’ve just taken part in a happiness experiment with Professor Richard Wiseman. For a whole week I had to think for a minute about something good that happened to me the day before. It was really effective. Although I do practice gratitude and smile so am generally happy anyway.
Janice xxx
Hi Fiona,
Further to your email on Positive Thinking-and the above. Of course You are right,the way we think has a real impact on our total wellbeing.
The world needs more people like you! Even your regular updates, and motivational messages ooze positivity, it is no wonder that you have so many members on your site. Please continue to inspire us all.
Love and Best Wishes,
Juliex
I’m a fan of optimism and positive thinking. However, I know that there have been times when I’ve felt really low. At those times, repeating positive messages to myself only serves to remind me that I need to tell myself positive things because things are so bleak. So there’s a conscious, proactive positive thought immediately followed by an unbidden negative thought – so in that instance, the positive thinking only serves to remind me that I don’t believe the positive thoughts so it does more harm than good. If you see what I mean.
It doesn’t happen often or all the time, but I am aware that it happens when I am at my lowest.
This is a great post. It’s very much along the lines of Anthony Robbins. He is a great believer in the mind and the power of positive thinking.
Amanda
Coaching for career, business and personal success
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