The Most Underrated Longevity Practice

When people think of longevity, they often picture supplements, workouts, or specialized diets. But one of the most powerful and overlooked longevity tools is something far simpler: optimism.

Optimism is a measurable mindset that influences how your body functions, down to your cells. Research shows that people who see life with a positive outlook don’t just feel better, they actually live longer.

The Science Behind Optimism and Longevity

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published at the American Journal of Medicine, found that optimism is associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (Krittanawong et al., 2022). The evidence is clear - a positive mindset does more than uplift our mood, it protects our heart health and longevity.

How a Positive Mindset Shapes Behaviour

Positive emotions don’t just change your biology, they change your choices.

People who feel optimistic and grateful are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, from regular exercise to eating better and sticking to medical recommendations. Studies show:

• Gratitude and optimism improve adherence to treatment and healthy habits after heart events (Millstein et al., 2016).
• People who cultivate positive emotions are less likely to engage in harmful behaviors like smoking (Wang et al., 2024).

Together, these effects form a powerful feedback loop; better mood leads to better behavior, which leads to better health.

The Physiology of Hope

Optimism reduces stress levels, protecting us from the effects of constant cortisol and adrenaline release (Mariotti, 2015). More specifically, chronic stress has been associated with the development of several diseases including cardiovascular disease and diabetes (Sharma et al., 2022).

Over time, optimism can translate into reduced risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.

How to Practice Optimism Daily

Optimism isn’t something you’re born with, it’s a skill that can be trained. Here are a few ways to strengthen it:

1. Keep a short gratitude list. Each day, write down three things that went well. This simple shift rewires attention toward positive experiences.
2. Pause before meals. Take a moment to appreciate your food and the people who made it possible. It grounds you in the present moment and lowers stress before eating.
3. Visualize positive outcomes. When facing a challenge, picture what success looks like and how it feels. This activates the same brain circuits used during actual achievement.
4. Thank people openly. Gratitude strengthens social bonds, which are directly tied to longer, healthier lives (World Health Organization, 2025).

Optimism as a Health Habit

Longevity isn’t only about biology; it’s about how you think, feel, and connect. Cultivating optimism is like strengthening a muscle that helps every system in your organism function better.

At Kyma Health, we help our members build this connection between mindset and metabolism. Through personalized health plans, targeted micronutrient support, and one-on-one coaching, we don’t just address the physical markers of health, we help you sustain the mindset that drives them.

Your Kyma coach keeps you accountable, helps you stay consistent, and supports both your physical and emotional well-being along the way.

Because true longevity isn’t only about living longer; it’s about living better, with optimism guiding the way.

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References

• _{Boehm, J.K., Chen, Y., Koga, H., Mathur, M.B., Vie, L.L. and Kubzansky, L.D. (2018). Is Optimism Associated With Healthier Cardiovascular-Related Behavior? Circulation Research, 122(8), pp.1119–1134. doi:https://doi.org/10.1161/circresaha.117.310828.}
• _{Krittanawong, C., Maitra, N.S., Hassan Virk, H.U., Fogg, S., Wang, Z., Kaplin, S., Gritsch, D., Storch, E.A., Tobler, P.N., Charney, D.S. and Levine, G.N. (2022). Association of Optimism With Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Mortality: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The American Journal of Medicine. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.12.023.}
• _{Mariotti, A. (2015). The effects of chronic stress on health: new insights into the molecular mechanisms of brain–body communication. Future Science OA, [online] 1(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.4155/fso.15.21.}
• _{Millstein, R.A., Celano, C.M., Beale, E.E., Beach, S.R., Suarez, L., Belcher, A.M., Januzzi, J.L. and Huffman, J.C. (2016). The effects of optimism and gratitude on adherence, functioning and mental health following an acute coronary syndrome. General Hospital Psychiatry, 43, pp.17–22. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2016.08.006.}
• _{Sharma, K., Akre, S., Chakole, S. and Wanjari, M.B. (2022). Stress-Induced diabetes: A review. Cureus, [online] 14(9), p.e29142. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.29142.}
• _{Wang, K., Rees, V.W., Dorison, C.A., Kawachi, I. and Lerner, J.S. (2024). The role of positive emotion in harmful health behavior: Implications for theory and public health campaigns. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(28). doi:https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2320750121.}
• _{World Health Organization (2025). Social connection linked to improved health and reduced risk of early death. [online] Who.int. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death.}
• _{Image: New York Times}