![]() Some individuals may have become alarmed over a Fox News article warning optimists that wearing rose-colored glasses were at risk! This was based on a study that was published Sunday in the journal Nature Neuroscience, which concludes that our well-known penchant for donning rose-tinted glasses may be a failure to store risk awareness in a key part of the brain. Tali Sharot, a professor at University College London, was intrigued as to why so many people, even when facing long odds or bleak prospects, remain stubbornly, even pathologically, optimistic. In the brain scans, all participants showed increased activity in their frontal lobes, which is strongly associated with emotional control, whenever the real numbers were better than expected. The activity indicated that the new information was being processed and stored. But when the news was more dire than the first guess, respondents who had rated highest for "optimism" in a personality test, taken beforehand, showed the least activity in their frontal lobe. Sharot said the work showed that unbridled optimism had unperceived risks. "Seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty can be a positive thing -- it can lower stress and anxiety, and be good for our health and wellbeing," she said. "But it can also mean that we are less likely to take precautionary action, such as practicing safe sex or saving up for retirement." (Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/10/10/looking-on-bright-side-may-not-be-such-bright-idea/ ) With such a study cautioning you about the risks, why should you keep your rose colored glasses and nurture an optimist’s point of view? Optimists have often been considered as having a ‘Pollyannaish’ view of the world. Everything is sunshine, rainbows and gumdrops. This is not the case for the true optimist. Optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to popularity; to good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma, stress and anxiety. Even the above stated researcher Sharot had to acknowledge the health benefits. On the other hand, the rates of depression, stress, anxiety and pessimism have never been higher than they are in these modern economic times. It affects senior citizens and middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. For in our fast past society, younger adults have increased percentages of depression, stress, and anxiety disorders. Here’s how optimists are in action and why it really pays to be an optimist: Optimists expect the best The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events will last a long time and undermine everything they do, and are their own fault. The truth is optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one instance. Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the 'problem' at hand. They use 'positive reinterpretation.' In other words, they most likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by a bad situation, they perceive it is a challenge and try harder. They won’t say “things will never get better,” “If I failed once, it will happen again” and “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.” Positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see the opportunities instead of obstacles. People respond positively to optimists Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those they are with. Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably. The Negative Ned’s and Debbie Downer’s will not be included on many guest lists…since their negativity is contagious too and most find it to be uncomfortable. In life, optimists often win elections; get voted most congenial and sought for advice. Optimists will more often provide a positive direction, or solution; the pessimists will just rant about the doom and bring nothing to the table. Their attitude, “Why try?” When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well-being during times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise. They persevere. They just don’t give up easily, they are also known for their patience. They successfully inch their way a step closer to whatever goal or elusive dream they are seeking. Optimists are healthier and live longer Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease. Optimists’ health is unusually good. They age well, much freer than most people from the usual physical ills of middle age. And they get to outlive those prone to negative thoughts. Why Tinted Glasses? You are probably wondering why should one even consider the idea of tinted glasses of any kind, right? Have you ever realistically looked at the world through the various hues of sunglasses at the store? It is an eye-opening experience. Amazingly, the tint can block out the distracting elements of light to allow you to clearly focus on details that you may not have seen otherwise. So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life. Everyone hits lows sometimes; you don’t have to stay low. You always have the choice to change your outlook and life. Why not inspire others to exchange their dark-colored glasses and see life from a clearer perspective too?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Cynthia A NahinI live in Southwest Michigan and am excited at being able to create and share this blog with you. I hope you return often as I will provide you with many creative concepts that I have learned and put to practice successfully to achieve my end set goals! Believe me, you can do it, too! Blog Archives
March 2012
RSS BLOG FEEDClick on the RSS Feed below to subscribe and not miss out on the newest updates!Categories
All
|