Health & Safety

Embrace optimism

Provided by the Employee Assistance Program

Optimism is to your mind what healthy food is to your body. Having a positive attitude and hopeful outlook for the future offers a number of physical and emotional benefits. People who think of themselves as optimists generally report better health, less stress, and more satisfying relationships than people who consider themselves pessimists.

Embracing optimism doesn’t mean ignoring or denying unpleasant life situations. Rather, it’s choosing a realistic, positive, and productive approach to solving problems and overcoming challenges.

Here are some ways you can think and behave as an optimist:

Pay attention to your thoughts and beliefs. Do you tend to be critical and think the worst of yourself and others? With awareness and practice, you can learn to replace the habit of negative self-talk with more productive, positive thoughts.

Spend time with positive people. Supportive, optimistic, sunny people can help lift your mood and energy level. 
Practice daily acts of kindness. It can be as simple as letting someone have a parking space or bringing a co-worker a cup of coffee. Kind acts will make you feel good and brighten other people’s days.

Find the humor in everyday situations. A sense of humor, even when things are difficult, goes a long way toward easing stress and tension.

Visit www.eap.calhr.ca.gov to learn more about embracing optimism.