Optimism Is Healthy Researchers have spent a lot of time studying people who think positively. It turns out that an optimistic attitude helps us be happier, more successful, and healthier. Optimism can protect against depression — even for people who are at risk for it.

While optimism is a healthy attribute, being overly optimistic in the face of adversity can be toxic and negatively influence your emotional wellness.

Pessimism is not a mental illness, but a personality trait in which someone has a more negative—or some might say, realistic—view of life. A pessimist usually expects unfavorable outcomes and is suspicious when things seem to be going well. Pessimism is not a trait most people aspire to.

When it comes to pessimism versus optimism, we have a clear winner. While optimism and pessimism can both help us navigate through life, favoring optimism can boost our energy, help us recover from illness and reduce stress. Also, optimism can be a great aid to resourcefulness, resilience and inspiration for others.