Researchers from Harvard are saying that seeing the glass half full may well decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke by decreasing blood pressure levels and levels of cholesterol within the body and this is the case, according to their review, despite the age, social status or lifestyle choices such as whether or not they are a smoker or if they are overweight. The risk of cardiovascular ill health was said to decrease by 50 per cent amongst those who were deemed to be of an optimistic disposition.
Although the figures seem staggering, the Harvard medical researchers emphasise that they have merely established an association between optimism and heart risk and have not proved that such an outlook would fight against heart disease.
Of course, those who were thought to be optimistic types were engaging in exercise and had a healthy attitude towards their diet but even taking these factors into account, the link remained. The study looked at the data from 200 studies for their review but still more research is required. Still, it’s not a bad excuse to start looking on the brighter side of life. At least until we see the proof.