The Optimist's Joy - how optimism benefits you in everyday life

Happiness

Everyone wants it

We all strive for it

But how to attain it?

The media would have us believe that it's found in an ever-increasing list of material possessions, each more expensive and glizty than the last. Other schools of thought would have us ditch it all in favour of simple old-fashioned ways.

What about optimism?

What is the difference?

Happiness is a feeling, an emotion attached to a moment. Optimism is an outlook on life, in good times and bad.

For some reason, however, optimism doesn't have the same reputation. Often optimists are viewed as unrealistic, naive, ‘fluffy’ by the sea of pessimists and self-styled ‘realists’ that surround them. But the truth is, optimists affect their own lives in powerful, measurable ways. While not happy all the time in some fake self-denial they are more likely to view themselves in a more positive light, have a happier view their circumstances and their chances for a happier future. (Research article - Journal of Consumer Research (2008) )

The benefits of optimism however, go much deeper than just feeling happy most of the time. Here are just a few of the benefits to being an optimistic person:

According to the World Health Organisation, up to 80% of the population of developed countries suffers from social anxiety disorders. Social anxiety is a generalised anxiety disorder, which means that it affects the way that the individuals think and feel about themselves and the world around them. It also affects their ability to function in social situations. According to the WHO, the condition usually occurs in people who are in the prime of their lives. However, they can also occur in people of all ages.

(The symptoms of social anxiety are quite similar to depression. If you are feeling depressed, it might be beneficial to seek out medical help for the condition, as well as for anxiety. Seeking medical assistance is not a sign of pessimism or weakness but rather a healthy and valuable step)

Studies show that an optimistic person's immune system is stronger than the immune system of a pessimistic person. The optimism of an individual may help them recover from an illness or operation quicker.

People who are optimistic about the future have lower levels of pain, than those who are pessimistic. Not only does the pain decrease, but so does the levels of stress. It makes it easier to deal with pain. This finding is even true when dealing with people who have chronic pain. In fact, optimistic patients are less likely to take medications to treat their pain than their more pessimistic counterparts (Bolier, Krause & Marshak, 2004).

A recent study found that optimists actually have a better chance of landing a well-paying job, and that the pessimists have a higher chance of landing a low-paying job. The study found that an individual's outlook on his or her job could have a big effect on their salary.

Optimistic people have better relationships with their loved ones, as well as their friends. Studies have shown that an optimistic person is more likely to be in a relationship. People who are more optimistic about their future are also more likely to be friends with other people.

Optimism helps people deal with stress. If you are feeling stressed, you might be able to increase your optimism by engaging in some simple mindfulness exercises. If you are feeling lost, you might be able to increase your optimism by engaging in some simple gratitude exercises.

Optimism is said to be a motivating force, which can increase the level of hope. On the other hand, pessimism decreases hope. Hope is the belief that the future is going to be better than the past.

Hopes are based on beliefs regarding the future. For instance, a person may hope that the future will bring a job. Or, a person may hope that the future will not bring problems. Hopes are present when we have a desire to reach a specific goal.

So, if you are an optimist don't listen to the detractors, you are on to a good thing, keep it up and enjoy the benefits.

But what if you aren't an optimist?

Is that set in stone?

Can you change it?

Absolutely you can. Rewiring your brain to take a more optimistic view of your life is completely possible and not as hard as it may sound.

One way for people to find happiness is to look internally and focus on their individual experiences. (But I am getting ahead of myself, more on this next time).

So why don’t you try it right now? Think not about what may go wrong or the negative article you read on when ‘it’ all went wrong, think of this article you are reading right now, enjoy the moment you are in, sat on the couch or lying in bed, taking a 5 minute break from work, sip that coffee, smile and give yourself a little immune boost.

I hope to see you next time…