Being Optimistic When the World Around You Isn't

It's possible to look on the bright side even when no one else is.

Sometimes, it’s hard to be happy when you think about negative things that are happening in the world. It’s harder still when the people around you are constantly talking about all those negative things. But you don't have to join ranks with the pessimists. In fact, it's extra important to be optimistic when there's negativity surrounding you.

Being optimistic means that you possess an overall positive outlook of the world, trusting that good things will happen and that people's desires will be fulfilled. On the other hand, being pessimistic means you assume a negative outlook of the world.

While most people fall somewhere in the middle between being a complete optimist and being a complete pessimist, we usually favor one outlook over the other. Learn how infusing some optimism into your life can benefit your health.

Benefits of Optimism:

Choosing to be optimistic offers surprising benefits. These include:

Confidence: Optimism is linked with increased levels of confidence, especially when it comes to making decisions and feeling secure with the choices you make.

Decreased risk of illness: A study from the University of Pittsburgh concluded that women who had an optimistic outlook had a 30% lower risk of heart disease. A University of Michigan study linked optimism to a lower risk of stroke.

Improved quality of life: One study found that people who were optimists and had positive expectations about the future experienced an improved quality of life when compared to people who had low levels of optimism and to pessimists.

Longer lifespan: Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that optimists are less likely to experience disabilities as they get older and end up living longer than pessimists.

Mental health benefits: People who are optimistic tend to experience less stress and feel a greater appreciation for other people.

Relieved depression symptoms: Optimism is linked with lessening the symptoms of depression and even reducing suicidal ideation.

Sleep quality: Being optimistic may improve your sleep quality, which is a key component in improving and maintaining your mental health.

Choose Optimism:

If you want to become a more optimistic person—despite the negativity surrounding you—then you can take measures to think positively and spread that optimistic outlook to those around you.

You have choices in your life. You can spend the day cleaning or spend the day reading. You can go out to dinner or cook at home. You can have coffee with a friend or you can blow them off.

And, finally, you can decide to be positive or you can just go on living like you are. Being an optimistic person in a negative world begins with the decision to be positive and choosing to live that life every single day.