Today, the UK's Daily Mail published an article pointing out that personality not only affects our behavior but can also determine health. Among all longevity secrets, having a good personality is an indispensable factor. While we may not be able to change our personality, we can understand ourselves and then avoid the weaknesses of our character.
Excessive optimism may lead to earlier death.
Optimism has two sides. On one hand, optimistic people have positive emotions and broad perspectives, which can reduce disease incidence. However, overly optimistic individuals often overlook physical and mental health problems, believing they're too strong to get sick, leading to misjudgment of their physical condition and delayed treatment. Researchers from Japan's Doshisha University found that among participants at weight loss clubs, the more optimistic people showed smaller weight loss results. Because optimists always see the positive and hopeful side, they don't pay much attention to their weight issues. Similarly, optimists are very confident about their ability to overcome difficulties and illnesses. This also explains the research results from the University of California, which found that overly optimistic and cheerful people are prone to premature death. Therefore, naturally optimistic people must pay more attention to disease signals from their bodies and establish awareness that illnesses are inevitable and unpredictable.
Anxious people should protect their stomachs.
Researchers from Paris Descartes University and the Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto found that personalities characterized by anxiety, dependency, and emotional instability often lead people to smoke and drink to alleviate inner unease. Such individuals also frequently have irregular eating habits and sleep disorders, which cause their bodies to produce higher-than-normal stomach acid, potentially leading to stomach ulcers in severe cases. Anxiety should be addressed according to its severity - excessive anxiety is a disorder that requires timely treatment. Mild anxiety is normal, as many external factors can cause short-term anxiety, such as approaching college entrance exams. In such cases, people should actively adjust their mindset, talk to friends more, or participate in activities to divert attention.
Irritable types should beware of cancer.
Anger is a basic human emotion and a form of self-defense, but excessive anger, irritability, or strong impulsivity indicates poor inhibition ability, making this the unhealthiest personality type. Statistics from a hospital in Athens found that among 448 women undergoing breast cancer screening, irritable people were more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Research from Creighton University School of Medicine also confirmed that irritable men have higher rates of colon cancer. Researchers believe that hostility and anger suppress the effectiveness of the immune system, making people more susceptible to diseases. Additionally, researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York proved that angry people respond to stress more quickly and intensely, which increases their blood pressure and heart rate, raising the risk of heart disease by 50%. Therefore, irritable people should identify their triggers for anger and try to avoid them. If already angry, they should actively seek psychological counseling.
Shy people have higher stroke risk.
Shy people generally have fewer emotional fluctuations, which isn't actually good for health because sometimes releasing emotions can serve as a form of venting. A 30-year study by Northwestern University in Chicago found that shy people are 50% more likely to suffer from heart disease or stroke than average. This may be because they're often in a state of resistance and cannot quickly adapt to external changes,承受 greater pressure when facing new situations. Additionally, research from the University of California shows that shy people are more susceptible to viral infections. This is because introverts have less active lymphocytes and thus weaker immune systems. Actually, shyness is a manifestation of lack of confidence, indicating insufficient social skills. Therefore, shy people should strengthen exercise in this area and overcome anxiety when performing in front of others.
Sensitive people live relatively longer.
Women are generally more sensitive than men, which is also a major reason why women live longer - because they're better at expressing their emotions and seek support when encountering problems. A study from the University of Glasgow found that if men possess some feminine traits, their life stress is relatively lower, and their possibility of heart disease decreases. This might be because such men are more likely to talk about their feelings with others and seek help when needed, rather than enduring silently, and they'll consult doctors when physically uncomfortable. However, sharing should have its limits - bearable matters should be self-resolved first, don't share everything and complain all day.
Responsible people get sick less.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and the Glasgow Centre for Population Health found that this type of person generally has better health. They're less likely to suffer from various diseases, such as diabetes. A comprehensive analysis of over 190 studies shows that responsible people consistently engage in health behaviors like exercise and healthy eating. Although "responsibility" is a valuable quality, many highly responsible people tend to take everything upon themselves, often feeling that their abilities fall short of their aspirations. Many also invest all their responsibility into work at the cost of their health. Actually, we should cultivate an awareness that we must first be responsible for ourselves and our health before we can devote ourselves to work in better condition.