Be Happy - Live Longer

I clicked online today and read the most interesting article about being happy. It said, "Being optimistic in middle age increases life span by at least 7.5 years-even after accounting for age, gender, socioeconomic status, and physical health, according to a large Yale University survey."

So, what are the things that bring this optimism. This article discussed the four Habits of Happy People. You can go and see the entire story from the experts. Let me share with you my impressions.

Habit 1: Don't Stop Talking Ever
OK, that is an exaggeration, but the point it to be engaged in conversation. A professor of medicine and epidemiology at UCLA, Teresa Seeman, PhD, says that, "Just talking on the phone to a friend has the immediate effect of lowering your blood pressure and cortisol levels..." and "Our research shows that having good long-term relationships provides as many physical benefits as being active or a nonsmoker." According to the article, people who are social at least once a week "live longer, keep their brains sharp, and prevent heart attacks."

Habit 2: Be Thankful
Author of "The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want," Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, said that, "It's hard to be bitter and mad when you're feeling grateful." They suggested recording the things you are thankful for several times a week. I would imagine saying them sometimes would be good too. Benefits of this were noted as being "optimistic about the upcoming week and more satisfied overall with their lives, (and)...they also feel physically stronger."

Habit 3: Random Acts of Kindness
I have always heard to perform random acts of kindness. (If you plan them, are they random?) How many are necessary though? They suggest five to "boosts your sense of well-being and happiness." Lyubomirsky does warn us though that there will be ramifications to your acts of kindness. It is possible that "You see how much you're appreciated and liked by others."

Habit 4: Reflect, Review, Restart
It took me a minute to come up with three re's, but they do sum up the fourth habit. They suggest to start by reflecting upon the past. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Review these times and think of them as "triumphs, missteps, and lessons for the future." Reviewing the triumphs can have an amazing affect on your self-esteem and reviewing the missteps can bring upon the forgiveness that you should have done for yourself years ago. Robert N. Butler, MD, president of the International Longevity Center-USA, says that, "If you can come to terms with past events, you'll be better able to handle tough times down the road."

Does this mean that the pessimist is doomed to short and miserable life?
Well, yes and no. Apparently there are two kinds of pessimists. (Who knew?) There are active ones and passive ones. Active ones, according to the article, an active pessimist is "a feisty spirit who loves to complain, criticize, and generally mix it up with others-but then takes action." Toni Antonucci, PhD, director of the Life Course Development Program of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan says that, "Active pessimists do battle with life. Being that engaged is actually good for them and can provide some of the same benefits that optimists enjoy." and "Passive pessimists, on the other hand, feel paralyzed by gloom, have given up on themselves and life, and will likely live fewer years because of their bummer attitude."

Be Happy! Be Positive! Live Long!