The healthier optimiststhan the pessimists? This is suggested by a team of researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in the United Kingdom. Being happy and optimistic would lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack.
This survey on optimism is more like a UFO in the sum of scientific studies. So far researchers have focused more on the impact of stress and depression on health. We now know that they are serious risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Good news, the reverse would also work: optimism could prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease. Indeed, the feeling of being happy and the satisfaction that go hand in hand with optimism provide good well-being for your health. It would reduce the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol, two risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Positive, a virtuous circle
Scientists combed through 200 studies that incorporated psychological well-being and cardiovascular health. Regardless of age, socio-economic status, whether or not being a smoker, and weight, psychological well-being was consistently linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Among the most optimistic people, the risk of disease was even twice as low as the most pessimistic.
The researchers also noted that the optimistic people studied had a balanced lifestyle: they exercised and ate a balanced diet.
Optimism would be part of a virtuous circle in the same way as a healthy lifestyle. It is this virtuous circle that could preserve health.
That’s fine for that, but if you’re not frankly optimistic by nature, what do you do? We are reassured, several tips can help us to think positive. We learn to look on the bright side of lifein starting by doing the list of the little pleasures of his day, by agreeing to have the blues and by putting failures into perspective.
>> To read also: Happiness: why happy people are healthier
>> To read also: 6 tips to see your life in pink
