Hope and optimism are similar but distinct concepts — one isn’t nearly as beneficial without the other. Both are positively correlated to health and resilience, but while hope is more directly related to personal belief, optimism is more directly connected to expectations.

• Optimism is a mental attitude that heavily influences physical and mental health, as well as coping with everyday social and working life. Optimism can also promote a sense of well-being during difficult times.
• Hope involves our emotions, however, hope itself is not an emotion. Hope is a way of thinking or a state of being that is more directly connected to goals and personal motivation.

People with higher levels of optimism and hope are better at withstanding uncertainty and have less fear of the unknown. They cope and adapt better in challenging or stressful times and tend to be more personally resilient.

If you are trying to cultivate more optimism and hope in your life, know that this goal is possible! The Aurora Employee Assistance Program can help. To learn more, click here.