OCTOBER 2015
EPIC WELLNEWS
STAYING OPTIMISTIC AND KEEPING
A POSITIVE OUTLOOK
What is optimism? The word itself is derived from the Latin work optimus meaning “best.” In other words, a person is
always looking for the best in any situation and expecting the best to happen. In some instances the situation may not
be a positive one. Examples include losing a job, death of a family member, or the end of a relationship. However, the
optimist will look at these situations as an opportunity to improve, change, and grow as a person. In losing a job one
might see the situation as an opportunity to revamp their career path.
Optimism and positivity can also have a direct impact on your health, both physical and mental. Research in the field of
positive thinking and optimism has shown benefits ranging from:
• Longer life
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Lower rates of depression
• Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• Lower levels of distress
• Better coping skills during times of hardship
• Resistance to common cold
Not only do positive people feel better but they are better!
The theory behind why positivity and optimistic individuals gain this mental, physical and well-being edge is that these
individuals can better cope with difficult situations, reducing the harmful health effects that stress induces to the body.
We don’t want to dwell on it too much in this article, but we want to give a little reminder of some of the negative effects
stress has on your body physically, mentally and actions.
• Headache
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Sleeping problems
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Drug use
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OCTOBER 2015
EPIC WELLNEWS
STAYING OPTIMISTIC AND KEEPING
A POSITIVE OUTLOOK cont.
Enough of the negatives! So the real question comes in to play; what is it we can do to avoid the negative thoughts
improve our outlook and ultimately improve our health? To be quite honest, a lot. Let’s start off with how you’re thinking.
When you take the time to evaluate your day or your task at hand, do you see just areas of improvement and failures,
or are you taking satisfaction in the small accomplishments throughout? Your whole day does not have to be a failure
based on one outcome. Take some time to write down the pros and cons of the day and with each con identify the
learning experience and how you can use it to improve for the future. One thing that sometimes gets lost as we are
adults and living busy lives, working in a serious environment, is that it’s okay to laugh, find and seek humor throughout
your day. It’s great to smile!
What about your talk? When talking to yourself, friends, family or coworkers are you being encouraging and empathetic
or are you being negative? In new situations do you tell yourself you have never experienced the problem before,
therefore, you cannot manage it now, or do you tell yourself or others that this is an opportunity to learn something
new and expand your horizons? When a work task starts getting overly complicated, instead of getting frustrated and
telling yourself it’s too hard, take a step back evaluate the task from a different angle and involve an outside opinion to
get a fresh outlook. The main goal with the talk is to incorporate less criticism and a little more acceptance over time.
Now you can talk the talk but what about walking the walk?
A healthy lifestyle is a staple when it comes to managing and lowering your chances for stress, disease, and negativity.
Physical activity and healthy eating habits have been linked to positive mood and a reduction in stress. Get out and be
physically active. Weekly recommended activity, through the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, is 150
minutes a week of moderate activity and 2 or more days of strength training activities.
If you are naturally pessimistic don’t think that these areas will change overnight. Start with a few areas and practice on
being more optimistic and positive at work, at home, and in your daily life. Remember to incorporate a few of the tips
highlight in this WellNews newsletter:
• Identify areas to improve – where are you most
negative
• Laugh – it’s good to smile
• Continually evaluate yourself – are you adding a
positive spin
• Walk the walk – are you living a healthy lifestyle
• Talk the talk – both to yourself and those around you
Sources:
Beattie, Leanne. “Optimism and the Power of Positive Thinking.” SparkPeople, September 2015.
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=835&page=2
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress.” Mayo Clinic. March 2014.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950?pg=1
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior.” Mayo Clinic. July 2013.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987?pg=1
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EPICBROKERS.COM
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