Optimism
Optimism is the ability to look at the positives of a situation. It is also the ability to think positively.
What are some of the benefits of being optimistic?
People who are more optimistic have better pain management, improved immune and cardiovascular function, and greater physical functioning. Optimism helps buffer the negative effects of physical illness
What is optimistic bias?
The tendency to overestimate the likelihood of positive outcomes and downplay the possibility of negative ones is called optimistic bias.
Evidence suggests that men and women share similar levels of optimism, but there are gender differences in what they are optimistic about. Men, for example, have been found to hold more optimistic views about the economic future. During economic downturns, however, the gender difference disappears.
Causes of optimism
Some of the factors that influence one to be optimistic are culture, environment, genetics and upbringing.
Effects/Impacts of being Optimistic
· Better Health: Studies have shown that individuals who are optimistic have less cardiovascular issues.
· Greater Achievement: Being optimistic gives us positive energy which helps us achieve our goals.
· Persistence: Optimists are more likely to face challenges, setbacks and obstacles than pessimists. They are less likely to give up easily.
· Emotional Health: Research suggests that cognitive therapy (which involves reframing a person's thought processes) can be as effective or more effective than antidepressant medications in the treatment of clinical depression.
· Increased Longevity: Optimists tend to live longer
· Less Stress: Optimists have better stress management than pessismists.
How can one be more optimistic?
@Admirablerainbow2825 Thank you for prompting discussion here :)
How can one be optimistic? Tough question it can be about letting go of control - things wont always go your way and maybe its better it doesn't because there is a deeper lesson behind it or maybe an area in your life where you need improvement x
You're welcome.
You're right. Letting go of things we cannot control. For example the situation we are going through. All we can do is accept that we are going through a difficult time. But we need to try to look at the good side of every situation. This really helps. Sometimes, things won't go as we planned . During those situations, we need to accept that and be grateful for what has happened. This way we won't be ruminating about things all day but will take a more positive outlook on life. This will help us move forward.
@Admirablerainbow2825 we become optimistic by choosing to be optimistic, knowing the consequences of choosing it, and not choosing it. When we realize that being on the optimistic side brings us more well-being, we start focusing on the bright side.
@Admirablerainbow2825There are several advantages to optimism, including better health, more success, perseverance, and emotional stability. Optimists have longer lifespans, improved cardiovascular health, and improved pain management. They also manage stress better and have a lower risk of developing depression. Overestimating favorable outcomes while underestimating negative ones is known as optimistic bias. Optimism is influenced by culture, environment, heredity, and upbringing. Gratitude exercises, constructive self-talk, seeking out helpful connections, and goal-setting are all effective ways to cultivate optimism. Optimism can also be increased by viewing obstacles as opportunities and approaching challenges with a positive outlook.
@Admirablerainbow2825
This post was quite informative, so thank you for that! I think that there are many ways in which one can be more optimistic. For instance, keeping a gratitude journal or simply a gratitude log on your phone can be beneficial.
Other beneficial practices include surrounding oneself with positive people, saying daily affirmations or setting daily positive reminders, celebrating accomplishments (however small they may be), and one of my personal favourites, which is detaching from expectations and outcomes.
I think it breeds more satisfaction and optimism when we live in the moment by accepting the things we can control and letting go of those we can't.