ZOE Science & Nutrition Recap: Can mindfulness improve physical health? | Prof. Ellen Langer
43 snips
Mar 18, 2025 
Ellen Langer, a Harvard professor renowned for her research on mindfulness, discusses the transformative power of thinking in relation to physical health. She explores how simply shifting our mindset can lead to significant health benefits without the usual sacrifices of time or money. Langer shares fascinating studies showing how mindfulness can positively impact well-being, particularly among the elderly and in unique environments. She emphasizes the importance of observing our perceptions to bridge the gap between expectations and reality, advocating for a more participatory approach in healthcare.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Counter-Clockwise Study
- In the counter-clockwise study, elderly men lived as if they were 20 years younger.
- Their vision, hearing, memory, strength, and appearance improved without medical intervention.
Chambermaid Study
- Chambermaids who were taught to view their work as exercise experienced positive health outcomes.
- These included weight loss, improved body composition, and lower blood pressure.
Mind-Body Unity
- The mind and body are not separate but function as a single unit.
- Every thought and action has a simultaneous physiological response.
