Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

The Power of Mindset: How Your Thoughts Transform Your Physical Health & Why Embracing Uncertainty Is The Key To Wellbeing with Dr Ellen Langer #537

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Mar 19, 2025

Dr. Ellen Langer, a Harvard psychology professor and the 'mother of mindfulness,' shares her groundbreaking insights on how thoughts shape our physical health. She challenges traditional views on aging, suggesting it may stem from beliefs rather than biology. Langer advocates for 'work-life integration' over balance, emphasizing joy in daily tasks. She introduces powerful techniques for decision-making and managing chronic conditions, stressing that our mindset can profoundly influence well-being and relationships, ultimately empowering us to take control of our health.

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INSIGHT

Uncertainty is Key

Embrace uncertainty to live a more meaningful life.
When we acknowledge we don't know, we naturally tune in and become more present.

ANECDOTE

The Hot Dog Horse

Ellen Langer shares a story about a horse eating a hot dog, challenging her assumptions.
This experience taught her that everything she thought she knew could be wrong, highlighting the importance of questioning assumptions.

ADVICE

Approach with Fresh Eyes

Avoid reviewing patient notes before seeing them to maintain an open mind.
Langer suggests that pre-conceived notions can hinder observation and presence, leading to less effective care.

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This week's guest has spent over 50 years conducting ground-breaking research showing that your thoughts have a profound impact on your body.

Dr Ellen J. Langer is Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, and widely known as the 'mother of mindfulness’. She is the recipient of three Distinguished Scientists awards and the author of twelve books, including her very latest, The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health.

In our conversation, we discuss how our mindsets directly affect our physical health, why much of what we attribute to ageing may actually be a consequence of our beliefs and the real meaning of mindfulness.

We also explore whether as a society, we need to rethink the concept of work-life balance, with Ellen suggesting that we should instead focus on "work-life integration," where we find interest and joy in whatever we're doing.

She also shares a powerful technique that has helped many patients with long term conditions like MS, Parkinson's and chronic pain and she outlines a refreshing approach to decision making: instead of trying to make the "right" decision, we should choose and then "make the decision right".

This is a powerful conversation that reminds all of us that we have a lot more control over our wellbeing than we might initially think.

Ellen is a wonderful human, full of knowledge, expertise and passion - and the ideas she shares have the power to transform your health, longevity and happiness.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/537

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.