Can Optimism Improve Your Health?

Researchers say yes. The definition of optimism is "a belief that the future will be mostly good." It doesn't mean that we can't feel depressed or dissatisfied with our work, relationships or a situation life throws our way (a flat tire can ruin your day for example) but rather we recognize these moments as a passing cloud. Here are 5 steps to increase your optimism.

First, set and pursue goals. Better mental and physical health are consistently tied to things you can only get by trying. An optimist is more likely to eat right and exercise due to their belief that their actions shape their destinies. So if its better health and fitness, a new career, better relationships you want - make it a goal.

Second, be persistent in achieving your goals. Optimists believe they will eventually succeed, so they keep plugging away at their goals long after their pessimistic peers have quit. Positive expectations fuel motivation and hard work while negative expectations have the exact opposite effect.

Third, tackle your problems head-on. The optimist launches into active problem solving, while the pessimist avoids, ignores, or disengages from challenges. The problem with the latter is it has been associated time and again with distress, anxiety and depression all of which take a toll on your health in addition to not getting you what you want. When adversity strikes resist distracting yourself with vices that only anesthetize your feelings but brainstorm solutions either by yourself of with someone else.

Fourth, change your perspective. Tricky. So you tackled your problem head-on but even with your best efforts it did not work out. Well, you win some, you lose some. The optimist can start to realize the benefits from having gone through the process of problem solving. They will keep their perspective by recognizing the pros and cons (yes, the negative feelings - we can't ignore them) and realize this has happened and I can't fix it but I don't have to let it sink me into the abyss. Finding the silver lining so to speak will keep you moving forward.

Fifth, imagine the worst. Seems opposite of optimism, but not really. Imagining roadblocks and how you will respond sets you up for success by making you feel prepared to cope with whatever comes along. Isolate exactly what it is you're worried about, and is it something you can overcome? If the answer is yes, set the plan in motion. If no, then it makes sense to hold off, not because you've worried and procrastinated yourself into inaction but because you've done the research.

If you want to test your Optimism IQ go here and click where it asks you to take a personality test. I did it and was surprised at my score!