A recent <a href="https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/185/1/21/2631298">study </a>followed 70,000 women from 2004 to 2012 and found that those who were optimistic had a significantly lower risk of dying from several major causes of death, including:<ul><li><a href="about:blank">heart disease </a></li><li><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke">stroke </a></li><li>cancer, including <a href="about:blank">breast </a>, <a href="about:blank">ovarian </a>, <a href="about:blank">lung </a>, and <a href="about:blank">colorectal </a>cancers</li><li>infection</li><li><a href="about:blank">respiratory diseases </a></li></ul>Other proven benefits of thinking positively include:<ul><li>better quality of life</li><li>higher energy levels</li><li>better psychological and physical health</li><li>faster recovery from injury or illness</li><li>fewer colds</li><li>lower rates of <a href="about:blank">depression </a></li><li>better stress management and coping skills</li><li>longer life span</li></ul>

Benefits of positive thinking 

Challenging situations and obstacles are a part of life. When you’re faced with one, focus on the good things no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they seem. If you look for it, you can always find the proverbial silver lining in every cloud — even if it’s not immediately obvious. For example, if someone cancels plans, focus on how it frees up time for you to catch up on a TV show or other activity you enjoy.

Focus on the good things 

Practicing gratitude has been shown to reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and foster resilience even in very difficult times. Think of people, moments, or things that bring you some kind of comfort or happiness and try to express your gratitude at least once a day. This can be thanking a co-worker for helping with a project, a loved one for washing the dishes, or your dog for the unconditional love they give you.

Practice gratitude 

Be open to humor in all situations, especially the difficult ones, and give yourself permission to laugh. It instantly lightens the mood and makes things seem a little less difficult. Even if you’re not feeling it; pretending or forcing yourself to laugh can improve your mood and lower stress.

Open yourself up to humour 

Being around positive people has been shown to improve self-esteem and increase your chances of reaching goals. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up and help you see the bright side.

Spend time with positive people 

<ul><li>Tell yourself that it’s going to be a great day or any other positive affirmation.</li><li>Listen to a happy and positive song or playlist.</li><li>Share some positivity by giving a compliment or doing something nice for someone.</li></ul>

Start every day on a positive note 

<a href="http://selfcontrol.psych.lsa.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/KrossJ_Pers_Soc_Psychol2014Self-talk_as_a_regulatory_mechanism_How_you_do_it_matters.pdf">Research </a>shows that even a small shift in the way you talk to yourself can influence your ability to regulate your feelings, thoughts, and behavior under stress.Here’s an example of positive self-talk: Instead of thinking “I really messed that up,” try “I’ll try it again a different way.”

How to Think Positive and Have an Optimistic Outlook: 8 Tips

Valerie