A recent study reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association has found that those people who are optimistic about their outcomes (better days to come - the worst is behind them) actually do experience better recovery and results after their stroke. The brain is a funny thing, as we know from experiments with placebos. Researchers believe there may be a biological difference in the optimists versus the pessimists of this group - they not only believe they will get better, but their body behaves that way as well.
The study looked at over 6000 people over age 50 and rated their optimism levels on a 16-point scale. Each single-point increase in the scale correlated to a 9 percent decrease in their stroke risk over a two year period (note that "negative outcome" was determined to be another stroke). The findings of this study - specific to stroke - are similar to results obtained when heart patients are measured about a brighter future.
There may be a cause/effect issue here, as people that are optimistic about their future health with ordinarily take steps to ensure good health (eating better, exercise, taking their meds) - while people depressed about their situation are more likely to have things deteriorate (sit around, skip meds, eat crap).
The bottom line for me - thinking positively about the future is not only easier, it's healthier!
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