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Imagine (想象) there is a glass on a table in front of you. It has water in it but it is not full. How do you describe the glass? Do you say it is half full or half empty?

If you say half full, you might be an optimist (乐观主义者). If you say half empty, you might be the opposite (相反的)—a pessimist.

A new study suggests that your level of optimism may affect (影响) your health. People who are optimistic (乐观的) may live longer than those who are pessimistic (悲观的).

Researchers at Harvard University’s of Public Health in Boston did the study. They compared (作比较) women “with a general expectation that good things will happen” with women who were less optimistic. They found that the optimists had a much lower risk of getting several deadly (致命的) diseases (疾病), including cancer and heart disease.

Kaitlin Hagan, a study leader says optimists can take better care of themselves by exercising, eating healthy food and getting enough sleep.

She also says earlier studies show that a person can use simple, low-cost ways to increase optimism. She says each night we can plan to do two or three simple and enjoyable activities. They might be watching the sun rise, visiting a friend, dancing to a favorite song or reading a story with your child.