Is it possible to live longer with a positive outlook? American researchers from the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Yale University have found that it is. Their study was made up of 660 participants aged 50 and above found that individuals with a positive outlook lived up to 7.5 years longer than those who did not.
A positive attitude will not only help in enhancing the quality of your life, but also the length of it. Don’t just exist. Live.
Dr Herbert Benson, an associate professor at the Harvard Medical School, says that positive thinking can bring about biochemical, molecular and physiological changes in the body that help treat stressful conditions.
You’ll notice that positive people are healthier. This is because their attitude increases the white blood cell count in their body, boosting their immune system to battle infection and disease. Negative thinkers, on the other hand, are skirting with danger as they risk themselves to a host of diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease, depression, high blood pressure and diabetes. Gloomy people have cells that age comparatively rapidly as well.
Another recent research by the Women’s Health Initiative shows that women with a positive attitude had 14% less chances of dying of any disease, and 9% lower chances of getting heart disease. They also had a higher chance of living longer than pessimistic women.
One can develop a positive attitude by making a conscious effort. We ourselves determine and choose our attitudes. If we choose a positive one to herald our lives, we enjoy unlimited success, vitality, energy, fantastic relationships, love for everything around, and above all, we become an inspiring figure. Positive people are like magnets. They are potential leaders and motivators. Positivism is contagious.
We often tend to negatively interpret others’ action or inaction; instead try and interpret them positively. Some have a belief system that the world is out to get them. Start with positive assumptions. If someone didn’t return your call, it doesn’t imply that they care less. Maybe it just skipped their busy mind.
Many a time, we get disappointed when we do things for others, and find that they aren’t grateful or don’t reciprocate. Do something because you want to give a little bit of yourself and not because you want something in return.
Ramesh Menon is a journalist and corporate trainer.
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