HEALTH BENEFITS OF POSITIVE THINKING.... Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include: Increased life span. Lower rates of depression , brings feeling of happiness. Lower levels of distress/ anxiety /stress. Greater resistance to the common cold/ viral fever /allergy. Better psychological and physical well-being, better adjustment with family. Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease/ chronic illness. Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress, increased inner confidence, increased will power.