Although Life Is Not Always Fine, Here Are 5 Important Reasons To Be Optimistic

Illustration of reasons to be optimistic (Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

JAKARTA – Optimism is defined in two concepts. First, the tendency to build hope and second, the tendency to believe that we live in the 'best of all possibilities'. Are you an optimistic person even though life isn't always good? Check why it's important to be optimistic.

In a study conducted by Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, according to Peterson and Seligman in the book Explanatory Style and Illness, optimists believe that positive events are more stable and frequent than negative ones.

An optimistic person avoids problems in everyday life and prevents them from happening. Furthermore, they are more likely to cope with stressful situations than pessimistic people.

1. Optimism plays an important role in developing hope

A study conducted by Chang EC. And published in 2007 found a correlation between optimism and depressive symptoms, as well as optimism and suicidal ideation. Optimism seems to play an important role in overcoming feelings of loss of hope.

The results of another study by Van der Velden add to the reasons why optimistic thinking is important. This research shows that compared to optimists, pessimists foster less hope and are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders.

2. Being optimistic affects physical health

Very few published and freely accessible studies have examined optimism and its effects on physical health. Although there are actually many studies examining these two variables.

The most referenced finding is that less dispositional optimism has the potential to result in death in general and cardiovascular death in particular.

Ironson and colleagues in a journal published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine showed that dispositional optimism as a coping strategy for patients suffering from AIDS to avoid depression.

3. Be optimistic as an adaptive response

Coping strategies refer to the mechanisms and mental processes carried out by individuals as an adaptive response to reduce stress that comes from threatening situations. Various positive aspects of relationships are significantly present when a person feels optimistic. When in need, a person will seek social support that emphasizes the positive aspects of a stressful situation.

4. Optimism affects quality of life and goal adaptation

Studies conducted by Wrosch and Scheier prove that there are two things that can affect a person's quality of life, namely optimism and goal adaptation. The study examined patients undergoing aortic-coronary bypass and other severe pathological conditions.

Optimistic patients showed faster clinical improvement during hospitalization and returned to their daily routines more quickly after being discharged from the hospital.

5. Optimism can help build perceptions about a healthy lifestyle

Significantly, optimism can affect physical well-being and build perceptions of a healthier lifestyle. In fact, an optimistic attitude can make someone more adaptive and able to elaborate negative information so that they have the capacity to solve bigger problems.