Do people with a positive outlook live longer? Research suggests that they do. People with a positive attitude about their lives live an average of 7.5 years longer than people who are neutral or negative thinkers. A study at the Mayo clinic revealed that having an optimistic outlook improves your immunity too. Even if you are prone to more pessimistic thinking, you can learn to think more positively. Here are some tips:
Become Aware of Your Thoughts
It’s important to recognize when you are having negative thoughts to take the first steps toward thinking in a more positive way. Stop from time to time to reflect upon your thoughts. As you become more aware of your thoughts, you can try to catch yourself having a negative thought pattern and focus on something more positive.
Create a Habit of Gratitude
Focusing on what you are grateful for, rather than what might be missing in your life, can really change your perspective. You can create a habit of gratitude by writing down what you are thankful for. Keep a pad by the bed to jot something down first thing in the morning or just before bed. These can be things you can focus on when you are facing other challenges throughout your daily routine.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
This has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I needed to move away from negative people that were dragging me down. Emotions can be contagious. If you surround yourself with pessimists, you are more likely to think that way too. Seek out the people who make you happy. They are the relationships you want to protect and cherish.
Smile
Did you know that even faking a smile helps you feel a bit happier? When you are feeling unhappy or frustrated, try smiling. If you need a little help, find a funny video on YouTube (giggling babies always work for me). Smiling and laughter release good hormones in your body that make you feel happier and more optimistic.
Changing your attitude takes time and commitment. However, it can have a dramatic impact on your life. You’ll not only live longer, you’ll enjoy a happier life too! Give it a try.
Thank you for the article Jenn.
While I agree staying positive leads to a happier life, it really is easier said than done Jenn. I have tried surrounding myself with positive people, but failed to attract them. Every second person cribs about his job, his wife, kids, etc to the point it just makes you sick, you don’t even wanna get out of home.
The one point that has worked for me is on being grateful to God for everything he has given us.
#2, #3, #4 is something that I need to practice a lot.
Thanks for the Fantastic Review on How to Think More Positively and Live Longer! Well, I guess I’m not going to live too long! There are so many difficulties in my life right now that it’s so hard to think positively about anything! My Father passed away around a month ago and my family, for reasons that go way back 10 years or more, are not speaking with me! It was so good to have my whole family together while my father was in the hospital, however, after his burial, it all went back to the way it was! I need so many fix ups in this house, money is extremely tight, no vacation, kids going back to school and can’t afford new clothes, etc. etc. It’s been one thing after another around here and I try so hard to smile and think positively, but it’s so darn hard for me! I have no good or best girlfriend to talk to and my husband of over 30 years only wants to talk about things that he cares about! I enjoyed reading your review and I’ll try to work on it. That’s the best I can do! Thanks for sharing your fantastic review on How to Think More Positively and Live Longer with all of us! I do appreciate it! Thanks again, Michele
It makes sense that people who have a more positive outlook tend to live longer. I think a more optimistic, positive person would WANT to live longer, and a negative or chronically depressed person might not want to.
This is so fantastic and a great reminder!! I tend to get stuck in mind and life ruts and this would be a great read to suck me out and remind me what’s important!!
Thanks for sharing this with us, I often find myself down and needing that lift, and yes I want to live as long as I can, So I will check out some videos and keep smiling 🙂