Optimism, Pessimism, and Health

"Sticks and stones may break your bones"; but negative words and thoughts may pose a bigger threat than we think, according to researchers. Those who look out to the world positively not only live longer; their immune system is strengthened, which makes them less likely to lose to diseases, therefor making them live far longer than others.

So stick with your friends and family, and just keep swimming! The more people that you have in your life, studies show, the more inclined you will be to live longer; whether it is because you feel a sense of duty to stay with them ( that "sticking together" group mentality), or if it's simply because those people make you happier and less prone to negativity.

There's also another side to this. Stress is very bad for one's mind and for one's health. It raises the blood pressure, and weakens the immune system. Those who are pessimistic tend to have a weakened immune system, making them more likely to get sick. They are also likely to push away others, whether intentionally or not, and therefor do not live as long as the optimists. This means, people, reach out to those that look sad; You will help them, as well as yourself.

This information really made me think about people's relations to others. With this information in front of us, it is essential that we use the "golden rule"; all people should be treated similarly and with respect, so that we can all live longer and better lives. So cherish your family, cherish your friends, and reach out to others; forget their faults so that you can be healthy, happy, and unstressed.