Do you usually avoid thinking about death, because it seems so depressing, dreary and dangerous? Many of us share these sentiments, which is probably why death is definitely not one of our favorite conversation topics at most social gatherings.
A few recent studies may disagree with our views though, as they claim that thinking about death could actually be good for you. Their findings show that the awareness of death encourages you to express a higher degree of tolerance, empathy, compassion, pacifism and egalitarianism.
Numerous philosophers and spiritual leaders have spoken about death and how you could feel much better by accepting the fact that it is inevitable. Ironically, many psychological experts say almost the same thing, though they are not trying to be spiritual or philosophical in the least.
Kenneth Vail from the University of Missouri, the lead author of the new research in the online version of Personality and Social Psychology Review, claims that most people do not realize how the subtle awareness of death can motivate their attitude and behavior. This cognizance in people can help minimize self-harm and promote wellbeing. Vail also avers that the appreciation of mortality helps you to rethink and re-prioritize your values and goals in life.
To prove his assertion, Vail points out a 2008 research conducted by Matthew Gailliot and his colleagues in Personality and Social Bulletin, which tested how being in close proximity to a cemetery affects our willingness to help a stranger. According to the observations of the researchers, the number of people who helped a stranger near the burial ground was 40% higher than other locations.
Look around and you will probably see people making healthier choices when they are reminded of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. These choices could include eating healthy, cutting down on alcohol or cigarettes, exercising more often, taking medication on time and perhaps even going for the health checkup they have been putting off for months.
Thinking about death reminds us that we are far from invincible and anything could happen to us in the blink of an eye. Hence, we do not get another chance to do the things we want to do or make amends. This reminder may spur us into doing the things we have always wanted to do, but kept putting off for “later”. Some people also make their peace with estranged friends and family, after being in a near-death experience. Whether we realize it or not, contemplating death does improve our life, as it drives us to prioritize our goals and values in the order of their importance, once again.
How can you use this knowledge to improve your life?None of us want to think about death and the sorrow it can bring about in our lives; however, ignoring death will not just make it go away. The key to being invigorated by mortality is focusing on how you can improve your life or someone else’s life, before the chance to do so is taken away forever.
However, every individual is different and we have our own thoughts and feelings on various issues, including death. While most people may start making positive changes in their life after contemplating death, it is not necessary that everyone will do so. You may feel a bit depressed if you spend too much time thinking about death, or concentrating on the negative impact of death on your life and the lives of your loved ones. So try not to obsess over it and ponder over it incessantly, but try not to simply ignore it.
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