Developing and maintaining a positive attitude is healthy and beneficial for a number of reasons. A positive attitude can help you to deal with stress more effectively, maintain better interpersonal relationships and lead to improved health. According to an article in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, "positive thinking may lead to success in business and personal endeavors," and an ABC affiliate, KIVITV, published an online article stating that a positive attitude towards aging can help with maintaining good lifelong mental and physical health. These are only some of the benefits and reasons why having a positive attitude is good for you both mentally and physically.
Reduced Levels of Stress
A positive attitude can lead to reduced levels of stress. According to the Mayo Clinic, a positive attitude and thinking optimistically can help you to deal with life's stressful situations by reducing the effects of stress on the body. Positive thinking can increase the production of endorphins, which are the "feel-good" chemicals in the brain. Stress levels are lower in people who have a positive attitude because they are generally able to see the glass as half-full, and do not see themselves to blame for the occasional downfalls of life, as pessimists often do.
Improved Physical Health
A positive attitude can help to keep your heart healthy and lower your risk for heart disease. "Researchers found that people who have a positive attitude during stressful events are 22 percent less likely to have a fatal or nonfatal heart attack than those who have negative attitudes," according to a WedMD article. The mind-body connection is powerful, and thoughts and patterns of thinking can dramatically influence what happens to the body. A study on the mind-body connection by the University of Rochester found clear evidence that the brain has the ability to send signals to immune-system cells. Further, the study on aging published by KIVITV/ABC states that those with negative views about aging tend to fulfill their own poor prognosis in studies. Therefore, science proves the case that having a positive attitude is healthy for your mind and body.
Better Mental Health
Generally speaking, most people do not enjoy being around others who have a negative attitude or those who are depressed. According to WebMD, people who have a positive attitude have lower rates of depression and distress. Furthermore, having a negative attitude can lead to failure on the personal and professional level, which can therefore lead to decreased mental health. People with a positive attitude typically tend to focus on solutions, and not the problem, which leads to greater feelings of productivity and, consequently, higher levels of happiness.
Healthier Lifestyle Choices
Studies have shown that people who maintain a positive attitude tend to make healthier lifestyle choices. According to the Mayo Clinic study, people with a positive attitude get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet, and have reduced rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.
A Longer, Happier Life
One of the main benefits of a positive attitude is having a longer, happier life. A study published by U.S. News and World Reports states that optimistic women had a 14 percent lower risk of death from any cause after eight years than those who were more pessimistic. Evidence suggests that having a positive attitude and longevity are linked, though additional research is needed. The study published by KIVITV/ABC states that feeling good about yourself can have a protective effect against physical and functional decline.
Member Comments