A new Harvard University study found that women with an optimistic outlook were less likely to die from heart disease, cancer and infection. Research has linked the trait to stronger immunity and healthier cholesterol. How to boost your supply of happy:
1. When you're completely burned-out. To shift your mindset from what's wrong to what's right, think about one or two things in life for which you're grateful.
2. When you're overwhelmed by your email inbox. Plan to make a dent do 15 minutes of triage at 4 p.m. Taking action reduces anxiety; reading just 60 out of 722 messages can still be a relief.
3. When you get bad news about someone. Work through scenarios what therapists call "catastrophizing." Ponder the worst then the best; embrace reality; think of a coping strategy.
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