In case you missed it, the economy isn’t doing so hot right now. Staying positive is a challenge for those with even the rosiest of glasses – home values continue to plummet, job stability doesn’t exist in many industries (including tech) and savings accounts are thinning. This news is hard to ignore, and it’s even harder not to worry. Not surprisingly, doctors are seeing growing evidence that the economy is making people sicker, too. Stress levels are at an all time high, people are forgoing routine medical visits to save a little cash, and healthy eating is becoming increasingly expensive. Where is the silver lining?
Results of a recent study from the University of Pittsburgh found that optimists live longer, healthier lives than pessimists. Optimistic women are 14 percent less likely to die from any one cause than pessimists, and optimists also were also less likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes or smoke cigarettes. Optimists open themselves up to new possibilities and change, and in a time when uncertainty is high, we might just do ourselves some good by being flexible with our expectations.
So, do negative attitudes take a toll on our physical health? There certainly seems to be a link, but with so much pressure being felt from our economy, it’s more important than ever to keep our health a priority.
Catherine Morgan at BlogHer offers this advice as your first step toward positivity:
“If you’re feeling stressed over the economy, try to avoid watching and reading the news as much as possible. Sometimes a little ignorance is bliss.”
If you’re unable to do that, take a few minutes to think about the things that make you happy in any economy. You may still have difficulty thinking positively all the time, but it certainly gives you something to smile about. For me:
- Spring (and SUMMER!) is right around the corner. Warm weather and peep toe shoes are two things that make me VERY happy.
- RedBox is always $1. Movie nights in with my fiancé not only help us keep our spending in check, but cuddling is free and fun! Add a few friends and a bottle of Two Buck Chuck, and you’ve got a great night!
- Wedding planning. I recently got engaged, and while wedding planning can be stressful at times, I get to exercise my creativity in ways that I don’t on a regular basis.
So, how are you staying positive? Are you naturally optimistic? Are you seeking ways to keep yourself happy for the sake of your emotional well-being?
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