Optimists Live Better Lives than Pessimists — The Secrets of Happiness

The Secrets of Happiness

Whether optimists live “better” lives than pessimists is complex and depends on how one defines “better.” However, scientific evidence suggests that optimism may offer several benefits for both mental and physical well-being, which could be interpreted as leading to a “better” life in certain respects.

Physical Health: Research has shown that optimists tend to have better cardiovascular health, lower levels of stress-induced inflammation, and may even live longer. For example, a study published in the journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” in 2019 found that optimists live longer than pessimists and are likelier to reach 85 years old.

Mental Health: Optimism has also been linked to better mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression and anxiety. The positive outlook of optimists often helps them cope better with stress and recover from setbacks more quickly.

Resilience: Optimists are often more resilient and able to face challenges with a constructive attitude that can make obstacles easier to overcome. This resilience can contribute to various life benefits, from career success to stronger relationships.

Social Connections: Optimists are often more socially connected, which has its own set of health benefits. Strong social connections have been linked to longer life, better heart health, and improved mental well-being.

To pessimists, the “Movie of Life” is a documentary with an unchangeable script. Optimists, on the other hand, grab the storyline and become directors. They edit, refocus, and add color to concoct a brighter, happier picture. This hopeful, in-control attitude shields them from outside influences and inner emotional turmoil. The good news for pessimists is that they can train themselves to think optimistically.

Recommended: “Living The Simple Life” by Elaine St James.

Steps to Happiness

  • Fake it—even if you don’t feel like it.
    Even when you are not, acting happy makes you feel more comfortable.
    Try smiling to improve your mood. Sitting up straight will make you more aware of your surroundings and feel more alert. Consciously relaxing your muscles helps alleviate anxiety. Suppressing a frown or grimace can create an unpleasant emotion—or experience—less painful.
  • Adjust your explanatory style. With a half-empty viewpoint, as an individual, you can assume the blame for all of your failures. Every mistake provokes anxiety. Any success seems like a fluke. According to Susan C. Vaughan, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry and psychoanalysis at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City. From the half-full perspective, difficulties are ascribed not to personal shortcomings but to transient conditions—a computer glitch, a boss in a bad mood, and having an off day. Accomplishments are the well-deserved rewards for talent and hard work. Optimist’s advantage: Externalizing causes of temporary setbacks protects you from feelings of defeat. You know there will be bad days—but they’re not the story of your life. That conviction helps you make the best of stressful situations without “catastrophizing.”
  • Practice downward comparison. Comparing ourselves with others who have more may trigger a sense of deprivation. But a contrast with those who are less well off makes us feel fortunate.
  • Avoid negative influences. Willing or not, we pick up other people’s vibes. Beyond dodging pessimists and the evening news, you may want to avoid unnecessary and mood-deflating confrontations. Be wary of emotional signals from your environment as well. A recent study found that experimental subjects forced to listen to grunge rock showed significant increases in negative emotions and reductions in positive ones.
  • Take a time-out, particularly when details threaten to overwhelm you and distract you. Try a quick walk—or do some stretches. Or lock your office door and dance—music adds enjoyment to movement. Savor life’s small pleasures—from a few minutes with your eyes closed to a cup of espresso. If real-world mood lifters are unavailable, mine your memory. Mentally relishing a delicious meal or inspiring view—the more vividly, the better—nudges you toward a rosier outlook.
    Caution: Gloomy images produce a downward mood shift, so resist ruminating on negative experiences.
  • Rewrite the script. When life provides a less-than-happy ending, do a mental rewrite —where you make the brilliant remark or win the contract. Like the upbeat explanatory style, this strategy keeps you from getting trapped by feelings of defeat. Visualizing yourself succeeding encourages you to duplicate your performance in reality.
  • Learn your triggers. By observing the flow of thoughts and sensations accompanying emotional shifts, you’ll eventually be able to pinpoint when an unpleasant idea threatens your mood or an agreeable one improves it. Then, you can actively block the negative while encouraging the positive.

However, it’s essential to note that extreme optimism can sometimes lead to disappointment or failure to adequately assess risks. A balanced approach that combines a generally positive outlook with a dose of realistic thinking is often recommended.

On the other hand, pessimism isn’t always entirely negative. In some situations, a more cautious or skeptical outlook can result in better decision-making. Some research has also indicated that a particular type of defensive pessimism can sometimes be adaptive and lead to better performance in specific situations.

So, while optimism may offer certain benefits that could lead to what some might define as a “better” life, the full picture is more nuanced. The best approach might vary from person to person and depend on the specific circumstances.