Scientists have proven that pessimists live less than optimists

Bad news for those who are used to looking ata world with a bit of sadness and sadness. Those guys who, in principle, like everything, live longer. You may have suggested something similar, but it’s never too late to change your mind about the notorious glass of water - after all, it’s better for your health if it is half full, and not vice versa. These findings were made by American scientists in a recent study, the results of which once again indicate the incredibly detrimental effect of stress on the body. According to experts, optimists better cope with stress and, perhaps, for this reason they live up to 85 years and more.

Character of the animated series “South Park” Twig

Stress is an insidious killer

What do you know about stress? This term is so tightly entered into circulation that we do not always pay attention to it. Surely you have often heard comic phrases like "what stress, what stress." We are used to stress, this is our everyday reality. Just like the character of the animated series “South Park” Twig - the guy constantly drinks coffee and is nervous about and without. As a result, he got a nervous tick. All this is very funny, but in fact things are pretty serious.

It's easy to say “don't be nervous,” but it really prolongs life.

American neuroendocrinologist, professorStanford University's biology, neurosurgery and neurology Robert Sapolsky has studied stress for a long time. In his book, entitled “Psychology of Stress,” Sapolsky clearly explains the mechanism of stress and the reaction of the body to it. The fact is that for 30 years, the professor studied African baboons. Every six months, Sapolsky went to Africa, where he observed the behavior of these aggressive monkeys.

Suddenly: A vaccine for the effects of stress is already under development. It contains a bacteria living in the mud.

The results of his observations revealed a lot to the world.new not only about the baboons themselves, but also about stress. It turns out that monkeys suffer from cardiovascular diseases at least as much as ours - here it is, the price paid for stress. According to Sapolsky's research, many factors influence the level of stress - from the position on the hierarchical ladder, to access to water and food. It turns out that we are not so very different from baboons. You can learn even more about the similarities between people and our closest relatives on our Yandex.Zen channel.

Pictured is Stanford University professor Robert Sapolsky

Stress is the body’s response to extremesituation. Fire, hunger, floods, injuries - all these factors provoke the release of some hormones and slow down the release of others. During an acute reaction to stress, certain parts of the nervous system are activated. Everything seems to be logical, if not for one “but”. The fact is that for the body there is no difference between the attack of a wild beast and public speaking. Thus, everyday stress forces the body to remain in danger mode all the time, increasing the load on the work of the nervous, endocrine and other systems. This, in turn, is a trigger for the development of many diseases.

Why is it better to be optimistic?

Scientists believe optimists do betterwith control of emotions. And controlling their emotions, positively minded people protect themselves from the harmful effects of stress. According to experts, pessimists should take note of this and more often imagine a future in which everything is good. How do you imagine your future? You can discuss this in our Telegram chat.

The study involved two groupssubjects. Scientists monitored the health status of 70,000 nurses and 1,500 male veterans. During the study, experts determined the level of optimism of the subjects and the general state of health. Also taken into account information about their bad habits - smoking and drinking.

Take care of your health, you live with him!

On average, the most optimistic men and womenlife expectancy was 11-15% longer. Their chances of surviving to 85 years and older were also higher than those of a more pessimistic group. Today, science knows a lot about risk factors for disease and early death, but scientists are far less aware of what they call “positive psychosocial factors” that can contribute to healthy aging. Now, research has proven that a positive outlook on the world can contribute to longevity and healthy aging.

Evidence from previous studies showsthat more optimistic people tend to set goals and are more confident in their accomplishments. Moreover, they act effectively in solving problems, and better cope with stress in critical situations.

In addition to affecting the functioning of many body systems,stress negatively affects the immune system, so pessimists often get infectious diseases. A number of studies also associate stress with shorter telomeres, chromosome components that are associated with cell aging and the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

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