AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
10% Happier with Dan Harris
The Harvard Scientist Who Says You Can Use Your Thoughts To Improve Your Health | Ellen Langer
Sep 23, 2024
Ellen Langer, a distinguished Harvard psychologist and author of 'Mindfulness', explores the fascinating link between our thoughts and physical health. She discusses the power of placebos and why she critiques traditional positive thinking. Langer introduces her unique take on mindfulness, emphasizing awareness of uncertainty rather than merely striving for positivity. The conversation includes practical strategies for managing chronic illness and the transformative effects of mindset on aging, showcasing how curiosity and community can enrich our lives.
01:07:58
Episode guests
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The mind-body unity concept suggests that our thoughts and beliefs profoundly influence physical well-being, challenging traditional health perspectives.
- Ellen Langer's version of mindfulness emphasizes actively noticing new experiences, leading to improved health outcomes through reframing daily activities.
Deep dives
Mind-Body Unity and Health
The concept of mind-body unity is central to a deeper understanding of health, emphasizing that our thoughts and beliefs significantly influence our physical well-being. This idea challenges the traditional view of a mere mind-body connection by suggesting that they are integral, resulting in the premise that where we place our mental focus also affects our bodily condition. For instance, the notion that positive thought can yield physical health is supported by extensive research showing how beliefs can enhance healing, such as through the placebo effect, which illustrates the power of the mind in facilitating health outcomes despite the lack of conventional medical treatment. This transformative thinking shows that reframing our understanding of health can lead to more proactive and successful management of various medical conditions.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode