Test Essay

Studies have shown that the degree of emotional positivity is directly proportional to the health and life expectancy (Hall, 2007). In an collaboration with researchers for the Ohio Longitudinal Study, Becca Levy, a psychologist from Yale University, made a surprising finding: "older people who possess a more positive attitude toward old age may live on average, seven and a half years longer" (Hall, 2007, para 20). The main reasons that optimism leads to better health and longer life stems from one's emotional stability and awareness of health.

One who bears an optimistic view of life tends to be more emotionally stable. Emotional stability refers to an individual's ability to remain calm in troubled situation. This in turn, increases work productivity and a higher chance to be well received by his peers ans superiors at work. As a result, the optimist tends to be more successful in his career, earns more money and will likely lead to a better life. He will also be able to afford health supplements and medical checkups, thus increasing his overall life expectancy.

An individual who maintains a positive attitude also tends to treasure himself as he looks forward to hope and opportunities in life. With a positive attitude, he may draw up a regular exercise routine and watch over his diet in a bid to improve his health. As a result, an optimist will tend to possess a better health, especially at an older age than one who is of equal age, but a pessimist by nature.

In conclusion, a positive person tends to posses emotional stability and a better awareness of health. With that, he will be able to lead a better and healthier life.

How do you achieve life long happiness ?

Before knowing the path towards achieving happiness, perhaps one has to define the meaning of happiness. Happiness can mean different things to different people. Some people associate happiness to materialistic gains (the 5 Cs - Cars, Condo, Credit card, cash and club membership) while others derive happiness through interaction and spending time with family and loved ones.

Different as the 2 definitions may be, however, there is a common link to the 2 definitions as mentioned above. That is, contention. In terms of material gains, how much is enough when it comes to achieving your target? An japanese car is better than a china made car, which in turn is overshadowed by an european one. On the other hand, you might have been so focused on your objectives and are subconsciously taking for granted the simple pleasures in life such as family dinners or even spending time with ur pet dog.

It is not easy to truly achieve happiness expecially in out competitive, result oriented society. So perhaps, the key to achieving so would have to depend on how we define happiness and the process towards attaining happiness. If one sets his or her goals too high, then sad to say, he or she will never be happy.