消极思维有碍健康

刘　欧

A growing amount of research shows a pessimistic outlook can take a huge toll on your health. This may be because pessimists are not as good as optimists at handling stress, which taxes the immune system and causes other health problems, such as high blood pressure. Optimists go into situations with more confidence, so events seem less threatening and stressful. And in situations where stress is unavoidable, Positive thinkers also have stronger coping methods. Looking at the bright side may also lead to a longer life. Researchers have found that those who were pessimists had a 19 percent increased risk of death. Studies of HIV patients also have found that the health of optimists doesnt decline as rapidly.

Fortunately, even a confirmed negativist can change. To start, experts recommend using a trick called creative accounting. Keep a mental checklist of all the good things that happen to you. Simply focusing on the positive can boost your mood. You can also try to avoid upward comparison. There will always be someone prettier or wealthier, but constantly comparing yourself to them will leave you feeling down and envious.

Finally, recognize how your mood affects your outlook. Optimists know that if they are in good spirits, their day-to-day experiences and interactions are more positive. So see if you can muster a smile. The result might be a happier—and healthier—you.

越来越多的调查显示，悲观厌世会大大有损于你的身体健康。这可能是因为悲观主义者不像乐观主义者那样善于处理压力，从而影响免疫系统的正常工作和导致诸如高血压之类的健康问题。乐观主义者具有更强的自信心，所以事情在他看来较少具有威胁和压力。在压力似乎是不可避免的情况下，思想乐观的人也拥有有效的应对方法。多看事物的积极面也许会导致长寿。调查者们发现，悲观主义者死亡的机率多19%。对艾滋病人的研究也发现，乐观主义者的健康不会迅速衰退。

幸运的是，即便是一个程度很深的消极主义者也可能改变。首先，专家们推荐一种被称作创造性记帐的方法。在脑中保存一张发生在你身上的所有好事的清单，把思维集中在积极的事物上就可使你的情绪高昂起来。你还可以有意避免攀比。总有一些人比你更漂亮或更富有，但如果经常把你自己同他们做比较将使你感到沮丧和妒忌。

最后，请注意你的情绪是如何影响你的观点的。乐观主义者懂得，如果他们保持良好的精神状态，他们每一天的经历和交往将更加积极。因此如果你能笑容常在，其结果可能会是一个更加快乐和健康的你。