The ends and beginnings of years usually have the same characteristics: at the beginning we make goals and project ourselves for the coming years. 12 months. When this deadline arrives, it is time to weigh what we did with what we wrote down.
There is also a second group, which prefers not to schedule nothing to avoid the frustration of not having achievements, or, because they simply do not expect anything, they just decide to flow. Each head is a world, as are each person’s decisions.
In this article we invite you, whatever your choice, to ensure that the optimism nor the hope that always do us good and are powerful allies for the mental healthaccording to the Health and Person Foundation.
“He optimism acts as a buffer against stress,” says research from the American Psychological Associationand then add that this opens the doors to hope, that motivates us and gives birth to hope.
How to achieve it?
We must be aware that being optimistic is not something that can be achieved overnight, it is necessary make the decision and act based on it:
The big step is practice gratitude. Start by reflecting on the good things that have happened in your life, no matter how big or how small. Remember that if you can do it it is because you are enjoying the greatest gift that exists: life.
You can start with everyday things, such as being able to take a cup of tea, chocolate or coffee and enjoy its flavor… there are those who cannot do it. For a call, a visit or a gesture from any friend or loved one, because it means that you are not alone.
“You can try it first thing in the morning or right before bed, whichever is best for you,” advises Dr. Judith T. Moskowitzpsychologist at Northwestern University.
In addition to this, encourage yourself to write down things you are grateful for, celebrate and take time to enjoy the positive moments as they occur. Relive it by sharing with others.
Health benefits of optimism
According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, research is still exploring the effects of positive thinking and optimism in health:
- Increased life expectancy.
- Lower rates of depression.
- Lower levels of emotional suffering and pain.
- Greater resistance to diseases.
- Greater psychological and physical well-being.
- Better cardiovascular health and lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke.
- Lower risk of death from cancer.
- Lower risk of death from respiratory conditions.
- Lower risk of death from infections.
- Better ability to cope with a difficult situation during difficulties and times of stress.
