Researchers from Harvard, Boston University and the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System have shown a link between optimism and longer life expectancy i.e. living 10 to 15 percent longer and 50 to 70 percent chance of reaching age 85.

Optimists look for and find opportunities in negative situations. Optimism can be learned and practiced.  This year, during the period between Christmas to New Year, take out time to review the CMAAO 2019 year, celebrate your successes, and look forward to a positive and productive new CMAAO 2020 year.

Practice these to develop a positive outlook towards your life; 

1. Give yourself credit. Think about accomplishments in 2019 which you are proud of. Have you completed a project that was difficult? Take 15 minutes and write out these accomplishments.
2. Practice positive self-talk. If you find yourself indulging regularly in negative self-talk, write down some of the common phrases you use and change them into positive statements.
3. See mistakes as opportunities. Thomas Edison said “I have not failed. I’ve found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
4. Seek solutions to difficulties. When faced with a challenging situation, ask yourself, “What can I do?” or “How can I solve this problem?” Brainstorming potential solutions or asking friends for ideas is the first step in seeking solutions to challenges.
5. Accentuate the positive. Write positive happenings. Underline the good things that have happened, as well as things you’ve enjoyed and concentrate on them. Consider how they came about and what you can do to keep them coming.
6. Eliminate the negative. Turn on your favorite music, reread a novel you love, or get in touch with a good friend.
7. Act locally: instead of discussing global or national affairs do something that can make a small positive change
8. Take good care of your body, eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
9. Learn mindfulness. Practice focusing your attention on the present moment.
10. Positive affirmations that I am the best. 

Remember, people with a positive outlook on life are less likely to experience serious heart-related problems, according to a review published on Sept. 27 by JAMA Network Open 2019. Researchers found that optimism was associated with a 35% lower risk of angina, heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes. 

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA