TIME for an optimistic change...

When I saw this cover recently at my uni library, I couldn't help but take a sneak look - if TIME magazine have agreed that there is a science of optimism then surely there must be some method in my believes.

Written by Tali Sharot, author of The Optimism Bias, the article takes a scientific look at why our brains lean toward positivity in spite of the all of the negativity around us. According to Sharot, "The belief that the future will be much better than the past and present is the optimism bias." It's because of this that, though we can collectively grow pessimistic, "private optimism, about our personal future, remains incredibly resilient." 

The Benefits of an Optimistic Outlook 

·         Optimists are motivated to pursue goals because they can imagine better realities and believe these realities can be achieved. 

·         Optimists earn more money -- and they also save more money too. 

·         Optimists are not less likely to divorce, but they are more likely to remarry (which is, as the article says, "the triumph of hope over experience").

·         Optimists are more likely to have less stress and better physical health. They are more likely to take vitamins, eat low-fat diets, and exercise and, as a result, typically live longer.

·         Optimists have a chance to live longer. In a study of cancer patients, pessimists were more likely to die within 8 months, than their more optimistic counterparts. 

·         Optimists expect positive things to happen -- and, even when positive things don't happen, optimists tend to interpret misfortunes in a positive way. 

·         Optimists value and affirm their decisions so their lives are not filled with second-guessing and constantly wondering, "What if....?" 

From personal experience, I believe there is alot of positive benefits from being an optimistic person. To be honest, taking on a more positive attitude (although not always easy) has changed my life. Since I started to focus my energy towards the positive, I have reaped many benefits. Here are just a few of mine since taking on board an optimistic attitude: 

My Personal Positivity Pros 

·         Though I am a self-diagnosed shopaholic, over the past two years I've saved more money than I ever could have imagined. 

·         After spending years on a relationship that wasn't right, I found the love of my life about a five years ago. (A direct result, I believe, of a new-found love for myself.)

·         Every day for the past year and a half, I spend time doing what I love -- writing -- which is something I used to keep in the "someday" file in my mind. 

·         Since focusing on living a positive life, I've stopped partaking in negative activities and stopped spending time (or as much time) with people who bring me down. 

·         About a year ago,I rediscovered full-time study. Though the transition wasn't initially smooth, I now actually enjoy my work and study lifestyle (and yes reduced spending).

·         By enjoying my life more and looking for the positive things in every single day, I've become generally happier and focused on the present moment. 

·         I now believe in a brighter, happier future for myself and the ones I love!

Whether you look to the science explained in the TIME article or to the ramblings of an online optimist like me, it's hard to deny that there are some pretty serious benefits when it comes to being optimistic.

I really used to think the idea of a positive attitude was just nonsense, something people said to keep themselves believing that our lives were worth something. But over the past few years I've found that all of that "nonsense" has some serious value. And apparently, according to TIME, I'm not the only one benefiting from this.

If you are looking for a one-way ticket to a better, happier, stronger and apparently healthier life, I'd recommend giving optimism a go.

You don't lose anything by giving it a shot -- and, hey, look at the optimistic side of life – you might gain something! 

Start writing your next chapter today!!