The Effect of an Optimistic Attitude on a Person’s Health

In the same way that hope has colored the past, optimism and positive thinking has the ability to affect present situations. When enduring struggles or facing fears, hope can provide feelings of comfort. It can be used as a coping mechanism. Maya Angelou relates a tone of satisfaction when she weighs the conditions of her life

Chasing optimism in the face of challenges is a requirement that humans must conform to in order to live a fulfilled life. Studies prove that optimists tend to be healthier through the hardships they face no matter how severe. Even when in the face of challenges, being optimistic will lead you to be more successful in every aspect. Not only will you be healthier, being optimistic leads to great achievements in life. It also guides you to have better character. This essay will outline why you must always chase optimism even in challenges' face.

Each and every individual faces obstacles and limitations unique to their own circumstances, and the way that those obstacles are met and overcome ultimately determine the fulfillment and happiness that person is able to acquire. Perhaps one of the most influential but commonly looked over influences on one’s development is the attitude of others, in addition to one’s own attitude. While a kind, strong, responsible, driven attitude can empower one to lead a fulfilling life, the positivity of others is equally as effective. Whether it be despite perseverance and optimism of the individual or in junction with the two, the attitudes of others’ have the ability to influence one’s life in significant ways. The

Scientists have begun to realize that positive thinking can not only help during conflicts,but during everyday life. An article from the Huffington Post gives insight into this,”The benefits of positive emotions don’t stop after a few minutes of good feelings subside. In fact, the biggest benefit that positive emotions provide is an enhanced ability to build skills and develop resources for use later in life” (Clear). James Clear (taking insight for notable psychology experts) explains how positivity improves emotion and life quality. He also states that positivity is a useful resource in all social situations as well as

Lang, explains through a series of scientific studies that pessimism can sometimes be a better form of seeing life than optimism. Throughout the article studies are being done on different age groups, the youngest group always shows a “sunny” outlook on life while the middle aged group is logical and realistic. Optimism has shown health complications and mental issues in older people (Lang, 2013). I usually do not think negatively about life, but as an improvement I should start seeing life for what it truly is, unpredictable and inconvenient in order to prevent a distasteful lifestyle in the

In the strength of positivity, an individual is often smiling, praising other people for their accomplishments, smiling and always keeping a positive attitude in every situation (Rath, 2007). The eager for enjoyment in life is very attracting, as an individual with positivity strength views the world in a better place. As this person comes in contact with other people in this world, a positive vibe is transformed into their lives. Even if negative things are happening around this individual, the positivity strength defeats and overcomes the negative energy (Rath,

Thinking positively can be a difficult task, no matter the circumstance. When negativity fills you up like helium in a balloon you should always try to find the light in the darkness. Thinking positively doesn’t make the hard times disappear, it helps you survive negativity and the daily conflicts that challenge you. Looking on the bright side of things increases attentiveness, improves your ability to think, and leads to happier thoughts (Psychology Today). No matter what you are going through, you should always stay optimistic. “Man’s Search for Meaning” and “Dear Miss Breed” are great examples of how having a bright outlook can help you survive conflict.

Nevertheless, the enhancing of the wellbeing is a question that begged for research. So, Scheier and colleagues focused on various aspects of situations in their research and measured the level of optimism derived from these situations. It turned out that positivity enhances wellbeing due to high embracement of optimism. The article supports the articulation that there is power to positive thinking although it is not that simple and direct. All, believing in the good that future holds is crucial in relating to the many aspects of life.

There are many different views on positive thinking whether it is to be positive all the time as suggested by the film The Secret, be a realist and don’t be delusional as stated by Barbara Ehrenreich in her speech “How Positive Thinking Undermines America”, or just be somewhere in between such as a person who is optimistic but not to the point where they expect something they want to come out of the blue, they have to work for it.

There are times in this world when rolling out of bed and putting on a brave face is the only thing that seems sensible enough to get you through the day. You slurp down your morning cup of coffee, glare at yourself in the mirror, and wonder what’s the point of it all? Why am I living my life half exhausted wandering from place to place doing what I’m told when I’m told to make myself a living? This is exactly how a pessimist often thinks;, they tend to see only the worst in a scenario or believe that only the lowest possible situation will happen. I have chosen not to live my life like that, I have chosen to not only try to lead each day with a positive mind and a healthy attitude, but I have also decided to spread optimism to others by the simple gestures such as a smile. I will admit that at times being an optimistic person isn’t always easy because

The previous section has shown that previous study had yielded contradictory results. To account for the inconsistent findings, we have to first understand the inner mechanisms of the effects of optimism on cancer survival rate. Salovey (2000) has proposed various potential casual pathways from dispositional optimism to cancer survival outcomes. One of the potential mediators of optimism and survival outcome might be immune system. In other words, optimism tends to enhance the immune system which in turn enhance cancer survival rate. Indeed, Ah (2007) examines the intimate connections among social support, optimism, and immune response. Ah hypothesized that optimism plays a mediating role for immune response and cancer outcome. 54 cancer patients participated in the study. They completed questionnaires regarding stress level, optimism, and satisfaction social support. Participants’ blood was assessed to measure the immune system (ex., white blood cell such as natural killer cell. The results showed that only optimism is associated with immune response and cancer prognosis, while perceived satisfaction of social support was not associated immune response.

At times, we forget what an amazing gift life really is. If we end up spending too much time worrying about things that can go wrong, we create a negative energy around us that manifests itself in unpleasant ways. Having a positive outlook in life brings joy and provides inspiration when we least expect it. We have compiled a list of quotes that

In todays society humans have this constant obsession to be happy however it is very difficult to achieve it. There are millions of people that are struggling to find happiness especially if they have gone through tragic events that effect their overall view of life. A person’s outlook on life has a major impact on their happiness and their desire to pursue it.

I am guided by Winston Churchill’s wise words, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist see the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill was the prime minister of Britain during World War II and from the second Churchill was sworn into office he faced many adversities, such as leading England which was on the verge of defeat. However, he would not have accomplished any of these feats unless he had used optimism. Optimism has the power to improve even the worst situations; it is the light at the end of the tunnel that will guide you through your troubles. Last summer I learned the importance of optimism when I went on a very physically demanding kayaking trip in Lake Superior.

POSITIVE THINKING IS A MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL ATTITUDE THAT FOCUSES ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE AND EXPECTS POSTIVE RESULTS.