Women who have an optimistic outlook on life may live longer than those who do not.
In a study of more than 70,000 women, optimists were found to have a reduced risk of five deadly diseases.
Those with a sunny disposition were less likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, lung conditions, infection and Type 2 diabetes than others.
While the researchers said there may be some link between optimism and healthy lifestyle choices - such as eating healthily and doing exercise - they said having a positive attitude may improve life chances in itself.
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The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, analysed data from a survey of more than 70,000 women with an average age of 70.
The women were asked to rate how optimistic they felt, on a scale of 0-24.
The participants were then monitored over the next eight years and researchers recorded any deaths that were related to disease.
Over the course of the study, there were a total of 4,566 deaths.
The most optimistic women were found to have a 30% lower risk of death from the five causes than the least optimistic women.
The most optimistic women were 38% likely to die from heart disease and 39% less likely to die from stroke than women at the other end of the scale.
What’s more, they were also 52% less likely to die from an infection, 38% less likely to die from lung disease and 16% less likely to die from cancer than their pessimistic counterparts.
The researchers suggested optimism may not only improve our mental health, but may have a biological impact on our physical health.
The good news is we’re a nation of optimists.
Contrary to our reputation for moaning, previous research from University College London found that four in five Brits tend to look on the bright side of life.
10 Tips For Happiness in 2017
Work (01 of10)
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"Work makes you happier. It provides routine, structure and self-worth. Make sure you are in a job you enjoy. If you are not, make finding one that you do a priority for this year."
Independence(02 of10)
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"Personal control in work makes you happier; there is better life satisfaction for those earning less but in control of their working practice than those who are richer but have less control."
Relationships and Friendships(03 of10)
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"Those with close relationships are happiest – try to see friends and family more in the New Year. Research shows the closer people live to their friends, the happier they are – make new friends close to where you live. Get to know your neighbours better, try joining sports groups or taking up a hobby close to your home."
Play to your strengths(04 of10)
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"Identifying your strengths and focus on developing these, either in work or a hobby. This will encourage you to become immersed in what you do and find life more gratifying."
Altruism(05 of10)
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"Altruism is proven to help focus beyond ourselves and enable us to be more connected with the world around us. In 2015, find local charities, sports clubs or community organisations where you can donate your time - you might even start new friendships with local people."
Focus on the positives(06 of10)
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"Improving happiness levels can depend on how we focus our attention – being attentive and focusing on one positive task helps us to enjoy the moment."
Positive Memory(07 of10)
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"Those who are happier remember bad events in a more positive light – it is possible to focus on particular aspects of a memory to notice the positives more than negatives."
Gratitude Diary(08 of10)
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"You can retrain your mind to focus on the good things that happen rather than the bad. Stop taking your blessings for granted by keeping a gratitude diary. Every day for 6 weeks jot down 5 things that happened that day for which you are grateful."
Meditate(09 of10)
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"Regular meditation can help with positive mental health."
Say ‘Thank You’(10 of10)
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"Expressing your gratitude for someone’s actions is the single most effective exercise in positive psychology. Saying thank you to even small acts and gestures will help improve gratitude levels."