No doubt about it- for many of us, it’s hard to stay upbeat and positive. Given the state of our politics and the threats of viruses and climate change, who doesn’t sometimes think about pulling the blankets over your head and shutting out the rest of the world? Add to that the individual or family challenges and complications we all have, including the inevitable changes that aging throws at you, and no wonder many of us are waving the white flag and ready to give up. But that can also be a self-defeating attitude: Research clearly shows us that a more optimistic, positive attitude correlates with better health. As Jane Brody recently wrote in The New York Times, we now have studies linking optimistic attitudes with a reduced risk of such chronic conditions as heart disease and inflammation. And today’s thinking is, even if you were born a pessimist, you can cultivate a positive perspective with a little effort and open-mindedness.

According to Washington Post Bold School Columnist Vicky Fogg, you can choose to be positive and as a result, you’re likely to live longer and be happier doing so. Like any skill, Fogg writes, developing and maintaining a positive attitude takes practice. Her suggestions for honing this skill? Focus on the uplifting news in your life, smile even if you don’t feel you should, practice being grateful for what’s good in your life and surround yourself with positive people. Check out Fogg’s article for additional reads on how to boost your positivity. Other writers echo these tips, including psychology professor Catherine Sanderson of Amherst College. Writing for Greater Good Magazine, a publication of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, Sanderson, instructs you on how to prime your mind for optimism, including reframing the stress in your life and recognizing that mindsets can change in a more positive direction. 

Finally, Sanderson, among others, urges you to practice self-compassion, the idea of treating yourself with the same kindness and compassion you show others. Sometimes we’re very hard on ourselves, leading to downcast or pessimistic attitudes. If you want to get more positive and optimistic (and you do, if for no other reason than to preserve your good health), then you need to be kind and forgiving to yourself as well. So cut yourself some slack and read more here.