According to research, people with an optimistic outlook live longer and enjoy a better quality of life. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/optimism).

A person with an optimistic outlook sees the brighter side of life, embraces hope, is grateful, and believes they are worthy and deserving of love, happiness, and success. 

Here are five reasons why optimistic people enjoy a better quality of life overall.

1. Better Physical Health

Stress takes a toll on health. Optimists tend to experience less stress than pessimists. Here are just some of the health issues stress can cause: (https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-symptoms-effects_of-stress-on-the-body#2#:~:text=Stress%20is%20the%20body%27s%20reaction%20to%20harmful%20situations,response.%20During%20stress%20response%2C%20your%20heart%20rate%20increases%2C).

· Insomnia 

· Fatigue

· Gastrointestinal issues

· Problems with the cardiovascular system

· Increased risk of catching colds and infections

An optimist tends to make healthier choices, including seeing their doctor more regularly, plus, they’re usually more connected socially and have healthier relationships, which boosts physical health. 

2. Better Mental Health

According to The Mayo Clinic, people who engage in positive self-talk and think more optimistically about life have improved mental health. Speaking negatively to ourselves and having a pessimistic outlook on life harms our emotional state, which can cause depression, anxiety, and increased stress levels. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950).

People with an optimistic outlook typically see the best in themselves and what they’re capable of and are more satisfied with life in general. They have self-confidence, believe their life matters, and tend to take care of their own emotional needs. 

3. Optimists Have Healthier Romantic Relationships

According to Penn State University, a big barrier to a successful relationship is a lack of faith in the relationship’s future. When we don’t believe a relationship will last, we usually don’t do what it takes to nurture and grow it. (https://sites.psu.edu/aspsy/2018/04/09/optimism-in-romantic-relationships/).

People who are optimistic about the future of their relationship are usually more motivated to work with their partner to grow and protect the relationship. 

4. More Successful in their Careers

It’s hard to have a successful career when you feel stuck in a dead-end job that you hate. You dread going to work and can’t wait for the day to be over because work is a necessary evil.  

An optimist chooses to find and focus on the positives and potential of their job. They embrace challenges, strive to do their best, support their team, and make an effort to improve the work environment, which (usually) leads to greater success and greater job satisfaction.

5. Optimists Have Happier Social Connections

Optimism is infectious. People like hanging around other people who are cheerful and optimistic. Who wants to hang around negative, gloomy people who complain all the time? Pessimists tend to attract pessimists. Optimists attract positive people who are encouraging, solution-focused, goal-oriented, positive, and supportive. 

If you want to improve your life and relationships almost immediately and be the kind of person other people want to have in their life and be around, then choose to be more optimistic today.