How to Stay Optimistic at All Times

Did You Know?

Chances are, you know some people who seem to be happy all the time. They face life’s adversities with bravery. They continue to find the silver lining. You may think that they are just lucky. However, their optimism does not hardwire nor is it part of their character; it truly is a skill. The good news is that you can retrain your mind. It is possible to rewire your mind for greater optimism. This skill has many positive benefits. It can make life much more precious. Let us learn how to develop this amazing skill and change our lives for the better.

What is Optimism?

Optimism is not smiling when you do not feel like it. It is not the denial of life’s challenges. It is a way of thinking. You expect to see good things happen. You have a hopefulness about the future. An optimist sees a challenge, not a dead end. They believe that they will find the solution. They believe in their future success. This is a critical mindset that makes a difference in how you face life’s challenges. You do not ignore the bad; you just believe you will get through it.

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Mind’s Habits: A Psychological Perspective

Optimism, as a mental habit, is also described by psychologists as your “explanatory style.” In other words, it is your way of explaining things. It is your self-talk. An optimistic person has a negative explanatory style. For example, if a bad experience occurs, a pessimistic person would think it is permanent, and they would think it reflects badly on them. Consequently, it all feels hopeless. On the other hand, an optimistic person sees a bad experience occurring temporarily and is an external event. They don’t entirely place blame on themselves. Therefore, they feel more empowered.

You Can Cultivate Your Optimistic Mindset

You can shift your mindset. Also, you can form and develop more mentally effective habits. Here are some simple ideas:

1. Gratitude practice – choose three positive things daily. One idea is to keep a journal.
2. Challenge negative thoughts – don’t take negative thoughts at face value. Challenge yourself to ask if they are true.
3. Surround yourself with positive energy – seek out hopefulness and positive people. They naturally breed positive energy.
4. Anchor your successes, however small – make mental notes of your small wins. This provides the perspective that you are making progress.
5. Focus on what you can control – you can change what you can change. Let go of things you cannot control.
6. Self-kindness – be compassionate with yourself. You are doing your best.

The Science of a Positive Outlook: Psychology and Health

Optimism can provide important health benefits. Optimism is associated with productive coping strategies when dealing with stress. In fact, it has been shown that optimists have lower concentrations of stress hormones in their bodies than pessimists. Lower stress hormones can mean lower negative outcomes with respect to cardiovascular disease and stronger immune function. Studies have shown that optimistic people have fewer illnesses than their pessimistic counterparts and that optimistic people recover more quickly. Overall, the connection between health and optimism is well documented, and it is the sort of actionable scientific fact that can impress stakeholders.

The 2023 study out of Harvard University noted much stronger associations between optimism and lower risks of cardiovascular disease because the study found very clear connections between optimism and a lower incidence of heart attacks. The 2024 study published in Health Psychology established a link between optimism and a greater immune response to viruses. The data presented indicates positive associations, particularly between optimism and good health, with part of the suggestion, I indicated previously, that optimism is a mental state that helps boost bodily performance and the body may benefit aspects of health. As we also noted, optimism entails being hopeful, and hope is part of proactive self-care. Optimism is likely a key advantage for living a healthier life.

An Islamic Perspective: The Strength of Hope

The teachings of Islam encourage us to be optimistic. We are encouraged to have hope. The word for hope in Arabic is called Raja’. We should always have hope in Allah’s mercy. We must hope for Allah’s help. This is a very powerful hope. We are also taught to place our trust in Allah. This is known as Tawakkul. You make your best effort. Then you trust Allah with the outcome. This alleviates a lot of stress. It instills a sense of peace within you. It helps you cope with the bad times.

The Quran says, “
Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.
” (Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:5-6).
A wonderful verse! It gives a wonderful sense of hope. It reminds us that there is an end to every difficulty. And reminds us that relief will surely come. Islam teaches us to have Sabr (patience). Patience is enduring hardship. It is holding onto hope. We do not deny our feelings. We believe in the presence of God. This is the greatest form of optimism.

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The Journey of Hope: Concrete Steps

Optimism is a practice that requires daily effort. It can be thought of like a muscle that needs to be developed. You have to start somewhere, and a small step is a step nonetheless. One of the items on the list above is good enough! Here are some additional steps that can aid you on your journey.

1. Take time to visualize: Picture your future self being successful. Think of the goals you have.
2. Limit negative inputs: Stop watching the bad news. Avoid all low-quality, negative social media.
3. Look for lessons to learn: Ask yourself, what can I learn from this bad event? There are always lessons.
4. Get outside into nature: Spend time outside. Nature is filled with hope and life.
5. Do something for others: Volunteer or spend your time helping others. Feeling good often helps with feeling good.
6. Share your worries: Talk to a trusted friend and share what you are worried about. You may feel better.
7. Read about people who faced big challenges: Read stories of people who were able to overcome big challenges.

The Last Word: A Choice to Live Better

Optimism is not magic or pretending. Optimism is a mindset. Also, optimism is a choice. You can choose to believe in yourself. You can choose to believe in a better tomorrow. Also,yYou can choose to focus on possibilities. This mental habit has rewards. It improves your health. It improves how you relate to others. Also, it helps you bounce back better. So start today. Choose a little more hope. Choose a little more optimism. Your life will be much better for it.