Does being optimistic make a difference?

Yes, studies are showing that people who are optimistic feel they can cope better, as long as they are realistic. Research also supports that they are more successful in business, and seem to live longer.

Can you train your brain to be an optimist?

Absolutely! Talk therapy can be helpful to change our way of thinking and train the brain to look at the glass half-full. This does not mean we see the world in rose-colored glasses but we would reduce those biases or misinterpretations of experiences, and replace them with more realistic ways of thinking about stressful events, and shift people's mindsets to lead to positive changes. Researchers at Harvard are studying techniques; how to change on’ way of thinking. The good news is that they seem to work over the internet or smart phones.