Hope is often seen as a vague or 'wishy-washy' concept. It can feel intangible and abstract, lacking the concrete, measurable qualities we associate with more practical or logical ideas. Unlike a clear plan or goal, hope is more about a belief in possibilities, which can make it seem vague or unrealistic, especially in situations where outcomes are uncertain or difficult.
Besides the emotional benefits, hope has been found to motivate healthier behaviours. Data from one study of almost 13,000 older adults found that people with a greater sense of hope had better physical health and health behaviour outcomes, including fewer chronic conditions, lower risk of cancer and fewer sleep problems.
