TMHS 760 - Age In Reverse & Heal FASTER Using The Power of Your Mind - With Dr. Ellen Langer
Jan 29, 2024
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Dr. Ellen Langer, social psychologist and pioneering researcher, discusses the power of our thoughts and beliefs in shaping our health outcomes. Topics include perception affecting body and health, the mindful body, the connection between cognitive function and sleep, the influence of thoughts on healing, improving sleep quality, and the impact of perception on blood sugar levels.
Perception strongly influences health outcomes, as seen in a study where changing perceptions of hotel maids about physical activity led to weight loss and improved blood pressure.
Mindfulness practices, such as enjoying matcha green tea, can reduce stress, enhance focus, and increase creativity due to the effects of L-theanine on neurotransmitters.
The mind-body unity highlights the power of mindset in shaping physical health and resilience by changing perceptions of aging, behavior, and ailments.
Deep dives
Perception Influences Health Outcomes
Our perception plays a crucial role in determining our health outcomes, according to the research compiled by the special guest on this podcast episode. The way we think about our health and activities can significantly impact our weight loss, blood pressure, and overall well-being. A study involving hotel maids showed that simply changing their perceptions about their work led to weight loss, blood pressure improvements, and better body ratios. The study group, informed that their work involved enough physical activity, experienced positive changes solely based on their mindset. This indicates that our perception is deeply linked to our health outcomes.
Mindfulness and Green Tea for Stress Reduction
The episode discusses mindfulness practices and their benefits for reducing stress and enhancing focus. One specific mindfulness practice mentioned is enjoying a cup of green tea, which contains L-theanine, a rare amino acid. L-theanine can cross the blood-brain barrier and increase the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Green tea, particularly matcha, which is high in L-theanine, is highlighted as a stress-reducing beverage. It also increases alpha brain waves associated with reduced stress, enhanced focus, and increased creativity. The episode suggests incorporating matcha green tea into a mindfulness ritual for its calming effects.
The Mind-Body Unity and Health
Dr. Ellen Langer, the leading expert in mindfulness and positive psychology, discusses the mind-body unity and its implications for health. The mind and body are deeply interconnected, and our beliefs and perceptions shape our health outcomes. The episode highlights the power of mindset in influencing physical health, recovery, and resilience. Examples include studies showing that changing perceptions of aging, behavior, and ailments can lead to positive physical changes. Mindfulness is presented as a way of being, offering opportunities for increased engagement, happiness, and overall well-being.
Embracing Behavior Change and Redefining Good and Bad
The episode emphasizes the importance of embracing behavior change and redefining our notions of good and bad. Behavior change often occurs as we age, and it is essential to view changes in behavior as a result of caring differently, rather than judging them as inherently negative. Recognizing that behavior makes sense from the actor's perspective allows for greater understanding, empathy, and improved relationships. Engaging in non-judgmental perspectives encourages positive health outcomes, enhances happiness, and fosters stronger interpersonal connections.
The Power of Placebos
Placebos can have significant therapeutic effects, with studies showing that around 27% of people with various diseases experience a positive response to placebos. The pharmaceutical industry has a strong motivation to discredit placebos, as drugs must outperform placebos in trials to be brought to market. However, recognizing the power of the mind and the influence of perception is crucial. A clock study involving people with type 2 diabetes demonstrated that their blood sugar levels followed perceived time rather than real time, highlighting the impact of perception on physiological responses.
Challenging Mind Viruses and Changing Beliefs
Cultural conditioning and mind viruses perpetuate certain beliefs about aging, illness, and physical pain. However, it is essential to challenge these beliefs and adopt a more open and mindful perspective. By recognizing that everything can be mutable and that different rules apply to different people, individuals can choose to reframe their experiences in a positive light. Instead of blaming or forgiving, it is better to understand the motivations behind people's actions and change the evaluative mindset. Adopting an attitude of playfulness, embracing uncertainty, and acknowledging that everything is subject to change can lead to personal growth and a healthier mindset.
Is it possible to harness the power of your mind to improve your health? On today’s show, you’re going to hear some fascinating research that proves that we are in control of our health outcomes. By simply changing our thoughts and beliefs, we hold the potential to become healthier, happier, and even feel younger.
Today’s guest, Dr. Ellen Langer, is a social psychologist, pioneering researcher, and the mother of mindfulness. Since the 1970s, she’s been researching the remarkable concept of mind-body unity. She’s joining this episode of The Model Health Show to share her powerful findings of how your thoughts can change your health and longevity.
This conversation contains insights on how your beliefs can affect multiple health metrics, including your cognitive function, blood sugar, stress levels, and lifespan. You’re going to hear the fascinating details behind Dr. Langer’s work, and the powerful authority you have to influence your health. I hope you enjoy this episode on the healing power of mindfulness.
In this episode you’ll discover:
How your perception can affect your body and your health outcomes.
What the mindful body is.
A distinction between mindfulness and meditation.
Why taking notice of things around you is good for your health.
How thinking in absolutes can make life less interesting.
Why fatigue is a psychological construct.
The interesting connection between cognitive function and perceived sleep.
How the mind and the body are interconnected.
Why stress can make you sick.
The #1 question you can ask yourself to reframe your stress.
How being more mindful gives you more choices.
Why a diagnosis can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
What incurable really means.
How beliefs affect the aging process.
The connection between mindfulness and lifespan.
How your assumptions about a food can impact its effects on your body.
Strategies for releasing judgement towards others and ourselves.
The relationship between forgiveness and blame.
Why play is good for your health.
How celebrating our differences can make us happier.