To Live Longer, Think Happy Thoughts

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Guess what, optimists? Your positivity might reward you with a longer, happier life. (You probably expected no less.)

So says a review of more than 150 studies that explored the correlation between state of mind and life span. It backed up the notion that happier people tend to live longer and enjoy better health than those who dwell on their half-empty glasses.

Science Daily reports that the evidence supporting this link was found to be even stronger than that linking obesity with reduced longevity. That’s compelling, all right.

And while you’re not likely to turn a Debbie Downer into a Susie Sunshine overnight, this information is certainly worth noting to your staff. It will reinforce the positive outlook of the optimists and give their more somber counterparts something to strive toward.

It may be fruitless to try to change hardwired personality traits, but it is possible (and advisable) to focus on being more positive overall. Even if it doesn’t tack an extra decade onto your life, it’s sure to make the years you do have happier.

And isn’t that worth smiling about?