Can you think yourself healthier?

You may have heard about the power of positive thinking, and the effects it could have on your health. But is there any basis to it? In fact, research suggests there could be a link.

For example, a study published in JAMA Network Open in 2022 found that participants over 50 with a positive attitude about aging and health had a 43 percent lower risk of dying from any health-related cause over a four-year period. People with more positive thinking about aging were also more optimistic in general, more physically active, less lonely, and experienced lower risk for diabetes, stroke, cancer, and heart disease.

There is also a connection between positive thinking, physical outcomes, and death. In a 2022 study in BMC Public Health on the impact of optimism on physical health and survival rates, optimistic older adults were more likely to have a lower risk of mortality than their less-optimistic counterparts.

Cultivate positive thinking

There are some people who look at the glass as half empty and others who see it as half full. How can you become the latter? Here are five ways to start.

1. Hang out with positive people. Those feelings can be contagious.
2. In a stressful situation, try to find the silver lining. If you get lost driving with your partner, for example, pay attention to where you are and enjoy the different scenery.
3. Give positive feedback to those around you. There is always something positive to say, even when it might be tough. In the above scenario, you can thank your partner for driving safely.
4. Give positive feedback to yourself. We are often harder on ourselves than anyone else. Cut yourself some slack.
5. Keep a gratitude journal. If you can find several things a day to be grateful for, your attitude can change and you might find that you feel better physically.

You can support your emotional and physical well-being by finding ways to be optimistic. As the old saying goes, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."