It’s been shown that being optimistic can be beneficial for your attitude … and your body. But did you ever think these positive vibes were contagious? Now, researchers are finding that even just having a partner who sees the glass as half full may be good for you, too.

A recent study found that an optimistic person’s positive attitude can rub off on their spouse and lead to a healthier life for the both of them.

Optimism, the belief that positive things will happen, has been linked to many health benefits. Optimistic people are more supportive about making healthier choices because they believe this behavior will make a difference in one’s health.

Researchers believe having an optimistic spouse could encourage people to partake in more activities that are good for the body, like going on a light jog or substituting a salad for dinner. Small changes like these can add up over time and provide substantial results to one’s health.

Researchers say optimism can also lead to better health because of the social support systems optimists seek when in a tough situation. The support they receive from their close friends can encourage them to continue having a positive attitude and make better choices in terms of health.

Recently, optimism has also been linked to a reduced risk of heart failure. Individuals in an unrelated study who were considered more optimistic than the other participants experienced a 73 percent lower risk of heart failure. Researchers believe this is tied to a healthier diet, daily exercise and lower stress levels among the more positive set.

Although these studies haven’t completely confirmed if having an optimistic attitude is healthier for your body … researchers say thinking positive can’t hurt.