Hello and welcome to Series 4, Episode 10. The theme in the Lifestyle First method we’re exploring today is First.
One of the first things you need when embarking on change or anything new is… Optimism. Because optimists are healthier. And that’s the one question I want to probe today
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One Question:
“Why are optimists healthier?”
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2 research reviews
1. Rasmussen. H. N., et al. Optimism and physical health: a meta-analytic review. 2009. 37 (3): 239-256
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2941870/#APP1
2. Radcliffe.W and Klein W.M.P.Dispositional, unrealistic and comparative optimism: differential relations with the knowledge and processing of risk information and beliefs about personal risk. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 28. 836-846
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0146167202289012
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Optimism is your mental attitude where you just expect good things to happen.
Being optimistic isn’t about always staying positive and ignoring difficult emotions.
Its about looking at the bright side whilst still acknowledging and allowing space for the difficulties. It’s about staying focused on the good in any situation.
Top 3 reasons why optimists are healthier
Number one: Optimists know more about their own health
In the 2002 study, psychologists Nathan Radcliffe and William Klein found that optimistic people knew more about how and why heart attacks occur, and how six key risk factors of alcohol, smoking, exercise, stress, nutrition and fat consumptions affected risk They worried less about having a heart attack and were very self aware of their own risk status
To have good health, you have to start form a position of knowledge. Which is what this podcast is all about - arming you with knowledge and information so that you just know. Information is so accessible these days but you have to pay attention to it. Be an active absorber of knowledge.
Number two : Optimists engage in more healthy behaviours
Knowledge has to translate into action, and optimists do exactly this. Optimists sleep better, eat more fruit and vegetables, exercise more, have better relationships. And these healthier actions lead to better health. And you live loner for it. Better survival rates after cancer. Less heart disease
Number three: Optimists are better able to handle setbacks.
Setbacks are going to happen whether you’re an optimist, a pessimist or somewhere in between. But optimists handle stressors much better because they confront problems head on and use solution focused coping methods. Optimists don’t just give up. They see difficulties as a learning experience. They’re more open to new ideas, new experiences. They’re freer to consider more options and change. There is no better alternative to optimism. It’s your best choice for living healthier and happier.
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3 actions
Let’s create a ripple effect of optimism – it is contagious
ACTION 1. Think like an optimist.
ACTION 2 Act Like an optimist
ACTION 3: Reflect like an optimist.
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Website: www.dralkapatel.com
DISCLAIMER: This content does not constitute or substitute personal one-to-one professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or health care professional with questions about your health.
