Being optimistic does not mean ignoring the bad things; that would be a denial of optimism. It is a trait that defines how we interpret and perceive ourselves and the world around us. It relates to understanding how much control you have over a situation at any given moment and expecting positive outcomes when you start doing what you can.

It may not be surprising that optimists tend to be happier than pessimists. Additionally, being an optimist has other benefits, some of which may be hard to believe.

Here are five benefits that might surprise you:

Optimists live longer. Several studies link optimism with overall health and longevity. Optimists have lower rates of hypertension and heart disease and a lower overall mortality rate. On average, optimists live 8-10 years longer than pessimists—yes, almost a full decade! And those extra years are often healthier. This health advantage may stem from the fact that optimists focus on self-care and have better self-regulation. When pessimists are faced with bad prognoses, they often believe it is an unchangeable fate and view treatable conditions like heart attacks or cancer as death sentences. In contrast, optimists recognize the seriousness of their situations but are more likely to take necessary steps to regain their health.

Optimists have better love lives. According to researchers at Stanford University, optimists tend to have better and longer-lasting romantic relationships. Surprisingly, the outcome is favorable even when one partner is the optimist. Psychologists believe that optimism leads to a greater sense of support from one’s partner, which helps maintain a balanced relationship. When asked about what causes conflict in relationships, both optimists and their partners are likely to say that the other is committed to improving the relationship, which helps resolve issues more effectively. Another study shows that the more we praise our partners and tell ourselves how wonderful they are—even if it sounds a bit exaggerated—the happier our relationships become.

Optimists achieve more success.

Life insurance sales are tough, but discussions with salespeople at Metropolitan Life Insurance show that optimists sell 88% better than pessimists. There are many plausible reasons for this, including that optimists tend to appear more charming and are more persistent until they achieve their desired results, easily letting go of poor outcomes without affecting their future efforts. Optimists are also more likely to find jobs easily or secure positions comparable to pessimists with less effort. When they work, optimists are more likely to get promoted, and optimistic managers may be more effective in helping others perform well and reach their goals. Optimists take fewer sick days, are less likely to get sick, and recover faster when they do. They recover from major surgeries more quickly, experience fewer injuries, have less chronic pain, and show lower levels of certain inflammatory markers. In one study, participants assessed for optimism were exposed to the influenza virus and human rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Those who were more optimistic were less likely to catch a cold and, when they did, were more likely to view their symptoms as manageable.

Optimists bounce back from disappointment faster and stronger.

In a study involving collegiate swimmers, coaches told athletes to swim their best. After finishing, the coaches falsely reported times by adding a few seconds. The difference was so small it was almost unbelievable, yet enough to cause disappointment among the swimmers. They took a half-hour break, expecting to dwell on their recent failure and swim again. In the second attempt, pessimists swam 1.6% slower on average compared to their first time, while optimists swam 0.5% faster. In competitive swimming, the difference between optimists and pessimists can mean the difference between winning and losing. It seems that optimists may use failure as motivation to improve in the future.

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