Eat right, exercise, avoid stress... These instructions are often considered to be the necessary ingredients (要素) for a long and healthy life. While these day-to-day habits and behaviors matter, a person's attitude to life—including, and maybe especially, the way he or she reacts to hardship—is arguably the more important side of the longevity (长寿) coin.
Faced with difficult times, a lot of people start drinking, smoking, abandoning exercise, cutting ties with friends, or making other unhealthy choices. These new habits can be hard to kick once the difficult Period has passed: However, certain qualities seem to safeguard some people from such risks. Experts say one quality consistently tops the list, that is, the being high on conscientiousness. Conscientiousness refers to someone who is organized, careful, and persistent (坚持的) in their goals. Conscientious people are planful and responsible. When they take on a task, they don't give up easily.
This may come as a surprise to those who assume carefree, take-it-easy types are most likely to avoid life's many injuries and injustices. "We actually found the most cheerful and optimistic people lived shorter lives," Martin, an expert, says. "Being worried or anxious all the time is a problem, but a little worrying—when you're thinking ahead~can help you to be better prepared. " Conscientious worriers tend to put their anxiety to good use: They make choices or changes in response to their concerns. Their worrying is productive, not pointless.
While conscientious people are not totally free of risks, they're clear about the risks they're going to take. These are folks who tend to wear their seat belts, stay away from heavy drinking or drugs, and avoid other sources of unreasonable risk. Conscientious people also tend to adopt and stick with healthy habits, and their awareness and diligence tend to lead them into healthy relationships and jobs. All of these tendencies promote a long and healthy life.