The happier and more positive you are, the healthier you're likely to be and the longer you'll live. Those conclusions are from an analysis of eight different types of research carried out in more than 160 separate studies. The overall findings are pretty convincing that positive emotions and enjoyment of life contribute to good health and a longer lifespan. The study team's lead researcher characterizes the results from this analysis as stronger than data linking obesity to reduced longevity. The report was published in the March, 2011, issue of Applied Psychology, Health and Well-Being. In related news, a study from Duke University Medical Center found that optimistic heart patients were 30 percent less likely to die over the 15 years following coronary angiography (a procedure to evaluate blood flow in the heart) than those who were less optimistic about their expectations of recovery. This study was published online on February 28, 2011, in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
My take? We've known for some time that optimism can positively influence the immune system. In addition, optimism and other positive emotions are associated with lowered production of the stress hormone cortisol and with reduced risk of chronic disease. Research also suggests that simple laughter may help boost immunity, relieve pain, lower stress, and even help protect against heart disease. Pessimists tend to blame themselves when bad things happen, and view good events as transitory and negative ones as lasting. Optimists are much more likely to explain bad events as due to a temporary external cause. They have a generally positive view of life and confidence in their ability to affect their own future. Because optimists tend to actively engage in planning and problem solving, they may experience less stress than pessimists, and develop more resources to deal with stress. The result? Better overall health, and shorter recovery times after an illness or surgery.
Hanging out with other happy people seems to help too!
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