by Mike Gagnon

Created on: December 20, 2006   Last Updated: May 16, 2007

Living in a time where life expectancy has now reached into the late 80's you would think more people would feel that they had time to waste, but mankind is still looking for ways to extend and prolong the longevity of their time on this Earth.

Many studies have been done in the past, creams created, miracle drinks, diets, all in an effort help prolong life. Millions of hours and dollars have been invested in lengthening human life, when there may have been a simple answer in front of us all along; positive thinking and attitude.

It may sound like a bunch of hooey to many, but recent clinical studies performed by the Mayo Clinic in the United States have provided statistical data and solid proof that optimists (people with positive attitudes and thinking patterns) outlive pessimists. (those who have a negative outlook)

The Mayo Clinic performed the study over a five year period and monitored a large cross section of different people in various states such as Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota.

What the test found was that positive thinkers enjoyed such health benefits as:
Decreased stress
Greater resistance to colds and viral infections
An increased overall sense of well being and good health
Reduced risk of heart disease
Improved breathing
Lower cases of emphysema
Better coping and reduced stress in pregnant women
Living longer
Better problem solving and life coping skills

It is still a mystery to researchers as to why a more positive outlook on life has a positive effect on a persons overall well being and longevity.

Some experts believe that serotonin, a chemical released from the brain when a person experiences happiness, may reduce the effects of aging and boost the immune system. Another theory accepted by many doctors is that physical and mental stress impacts the body leading to weaker organs which may become health problems with age, while people who have a positive outlook on life experience less of this wear on their system due to less stress.

Before you start thinking negatively about your ability to change into a positive thinker, experts say it is relatively easy to become a positive thinker and that some of the health effects can be immediate.

Positive thinking coaches preach the mantra of positive self-talk. Self-talk is the endless stream of thoughts that flow through your head in the course of a regular day. In order to enjoy the benefits of positive thinking pessimists need to begin the habit of looking at things in new, more positive ways. The hardest

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