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THE OPTIMISTS  Nothing gets a pessimist grumpier than being told to look on the bright side, but…if you’re a pessimist, look on the bright side—it’s good for you! A recent study carried out by researchers at Concordia University found a plus side to looking on the plus side: optimists’ cortisol levels stay more stable in the face of stressful moments than the cortisol levels of pessimists. “Who cares?” grumble pessimists. Well, cortisol helps with everything from your immune function to blood pressure regulation to insulin release, so keeping it stable is important. Even occasional, small increases in cortisol levels can be good for you—it’s your body’s “fight or flight” response to stress that can help give you a burst of increase immunity, lower your sensitivity to pain, and give you a quick burst of energy for survival (hence its “fight or flight” connection). But when it’s too high for too long a time, like it was found to be in glass-half-empty types, you’ll get the crappy effects of cortisol: increased abdominal fat, impaired cognitive performance, higher blood pressure, lowered immunity, and decreased bone tissue and muscle mass. Basically making optimists as a whole slimmer, smarter, fitter, and less likely to get sick than pessimists. Factor in how many times those “stressful moments” the researchers looked at pop up through the average week (everything from getting stuck in traffic to a meeting at work to going to the mall on the busy day can spike cortisol) and it’s easy to see how important it is to keep the glass half-full. The study, published in the journal Health Psychology, was small—135 people were asked about their daily stress and had their cortisol checked five times a day for 12 days over a six-year period. But the results do back up a lot of studies over previous years linking psychological well-being (including optimism) with physical health. One 2012 scientific review linked it with fewer heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular issues. A 2010 study found that when optimism drops, so does your immune response. And a study of over 200 centenarians found that most were optimists. So are you just doomed if you’re a natural-born pessimist? You’d like to think so, wouldn’t you, pessimists? Actually, looking on the bright side is easier than you may think. Research has shown pessimists can become optimists through things like meditation, surrounding yourself with positive people, and even just smiling more (it releases serotonin, the happy hormone). Are you an optimist or pessimist? What do you do in order to keep looking on the bright side? - Care2 "To fight the darkness do not draw your sword, light a candle" - Zarathustra |
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8/14/2013 10:32 am |
I'm one who's always annoying people by seeing something good or fun in a situation. Drove my super pessimistic mother crazy. Spiritwoman ^i^
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I get the impression from the attitude that you have here that none of the childhood turmoil has affected your good inner side adversely, MrsJoe. More than Pollyanna, I should think it is your own self (encouraged perhaps by Pauline0, you are the wonderful self that you are today.  Let me also add that you and MrsJoe are good for each other as I can see - have a great Sunday - best wishes for a great week(s) ahead. "To fight the darkness do not draw your sword, light a candle" - Zarathustra
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There are those toys that you get in the market which you can put down, you can hold them down but the moment you release them, they are upright again. You, My friend, are in that category. What you went through medically never could keep you down. The successful alcoholics who are know for certain reformed now are those who were willing to quit. Similarly, no one can make us happy unless we wish to be happy. Therefore, there is no use for looking for someone who can make us happy. I am happy; therefore, I can perhaps enhance my happiness by adding to someone else's happiness or better still if I can eradicate someone else's sorrow. Have a great Sunday and a great week(sa) ahead.  "To fight the darkness do not draw your sword, light a candle" - Zarathustra
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I'm one who's always annoying people by seeing something good or fun in a situation. Drove my super pessimistic mother crazy.  Your mom must have been through a little too much to have lost her joie de vivre. It could happen to the best of us.  I am so glad that you find humour and cheer in every situation; your family and friends are fortunate to have you in their lives. Please continue being what you are in all future incarnations. "To fight the darkness do not draw your sword, light a candle" - Zarathustra
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I have a twin sister who is the opposite side of the coin. If you see pictures of us since we were tiny-- she is always frowning and I am always laughing. I never understood depression or anxiety and have only suffered it once in my life. (When I first went blind) Never want it again! Even then-- I knew it was temporary and I'd over come it. I can't see the point of being a grouch when it's just as easy to be happy. Indeed, there is no point being a grouch or a Mr or Ms Sulk when there is so much fun to be found in any situation/place/company/group. Have a fun Sunday and lovely week ahead. "To fight the darkness do not draw your sword, light a candle" - Zarathustra
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Your friends chose you rightly though it might tax your joie de vivre a bit.  I know that you are the first one to spot the silver lining on any dark cloud and you are gifted with that infinite patience which may irritate some because you do not get irritated. I bet you will have a great laugh when I declare I need no Cortisones when I have great friends like you for company, My dear Friend.   Have (a) great week(s) ahead. & KsOCs"To fight the darkness do not draw your sword, light a candle" - Zarathustra
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Your badge of honour deserves much more than just honour. YOu deserve gratitude for consistent positivity. You are brave and you are indeed a giver - anyone assiciated with you will be proud of you. Have a happy week ahead. "To fight the darkness do not draw your sword, light a candle" - Zarathustra
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