If you’re reading this blog because you like to look on the bright side of crappy situations too, then you’re about to get some good news. A new study found that people who see the glass as half full just might live longer. How? People who stay calm in bad situations, or see the rainbow after the rain have lower levels of inflammation in their bodies. Higher inflammation is connected with life-threatening diseases including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

The research evaluated 800 adults with daily interviews about stress and how they reacted, and compared their responses to blood samples that measured inflammation. People who had a negative response to day-to-day pressures had elevated inflammation levels.

This all led the scientists to conclude that a sunny outlook can give health and well being a boost. Just another reason to stay positive next time a gray cloud is headed your way.

Image by Susanne Nilsson.