Live LONGER and BETTER with This “Mindset Trick”
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 20, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
Are you a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty person?
Do you think things will be better or worse when you look to the future?
Does every cloud have a silver lining? Or is doom hiding around every corner?
These are simple questions that help define your mindset.
But they do more than just explain your outlook. The way you look at life has a dramatic impact on your health.
In fact, new research shows this one “mindset trick” can actually literally help you live longer.
You might think that optimism or pessimism is baked into your personality. You’re simply born that way. But that’s not true. You CAN change the way you look at life.
And making those changes can literally affect how long you live.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society followed 161,808 women between 50 and 79. The research focused on whether or not being optimistic or pessimistic affected the women’s physical health.
The researchers found that the ladies with high levels of optimism lived longer, had better moods, exercised more, and ate better food. (And there’s every reason to believe that the same would be true of men had they been included in the study.)
At this point, you may wonder, “Are these women optimistic and in a better mood because they exercise and eat well, or do they eat well and exercise because they’re in a better mood?”
And my answer is, “Yes.” Because BOTH are true.
If you don’t feel well because you sit on the couch all day eating junk food your mood and outlook on life will be worse. But the opposite is true, as well.
I’ve seen it time and again. People who start living healthier get a boost in their mood and mindset. All it takes is practice.
Try to be more positive. Catch yourself when your mood is darkening and recommit to your positive outlook. When you do, you’ll find yourself eating better and wanting to exercise more without any extra effort.
Don’t worry. You don’t need to be Pollyanna and pretend everything is always great. We all know life can really be a struggle at times.
But, focusing on the good and being grateful for what you do have can lead to big payoffs for your health. And it could literally help you live longer.
PS: Wondering how long you’ll stick around? Take this four-question quiz to see if you’re likely to make it to 100.
Source:
“Optimism, lifestyle, and longevity in a racially diverse cohort of women,” Online Version of Record before inclusion in an issue, First published: 08 June 2022, https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17897
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...
Separating Diet Fact from Fad
We’ve all been there, scrolling through social media, bombarded by images of perfectly arranged açai bowls and bulletproof coffee, wondering if this is the secret to optimal health. In a world of juice cleanses, paleo, gluten-free, and acai-topped everything, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of the latest and greatest diet trends. But...