Is it possible to explain what gives people a sense of humour and a positive attitude throughout life? Psychologists say that optimism is an attitude we can train and consciously strengthen in our daily lives.
Optimism is a mixture of proactivity, a sense of humor and a way of reframing negative thinking. As research shows, optimistic people:
- Experience less distress than pessimists when dealing with difficulties in their lives. For example, they suffer much less anxiety and depression.
- Adapt better to negative events.
- Optimism protects new mothers against developing depression following the birth of their baby.
- Optimism is connected with problem-focused coping, humour, making plans, positive reframing.
- Optimists report more health-promoting behaviours (like eating a healthy diet or having regular medical check-ups) and enjoy better physical health than pessimists.
- Optimists seem to be more productive in the workplace (Robbins et al., 1991; Carver & Scheier, 2002).
How can you train an optimistic approach?
- Use a positive disputing strategy: reframe your negative thoughts.
- Try to take a problem-solving approach when facing difficulties. People who handle stress in a problem-solving way usually manage it better.
- Engage in activities that help you experience positive emotions.
- Surround yourself with people who support you. Positive relatinships are important issue to protect your mental health and personal growth.
- Remember that your thoughts shape your emotions and actions, as demonstrated in Albert Ellis’s ABCDE model.
This article based on the beautiful book: Positive psychology in the nutshell. The science of happiness by Ilone Boniwell..