Nir And Far: Business, Behaviour and the Brain

Can You Think Yourself Thinner? - Nir And Far

Jul 15, 2024

09:42

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The podcast discusses the influence of beliefs on weight loss efforts and the power of mindset in shaping exercise and health. Personal experiences are highlighted, showing how beliefs can be a motivator for improved health and fitness. The significance of positivity and enjoyment in fostering well-being through a reinforcing loop is also explored.

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Quick takeaways

Beliefs influence physical health more than realized, as demonstrated by Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer.

Adopting a positive mindset towards exercise leads to healthier habits and outcomes, emphasizing enjoyment over unrealistic goals.

Deep dives

Influence of Beliefs on Health

Beliefs play a significant role in shaping our bodies and overall health. Research by Harvard psychologist Ellen Langer demonstrated how the perceived amount of exercise directly affected physiological health variables in female room attendants at hotels. Those who believed they exceeded recommended exercise levels showed improvements in blood pressure, weight, and waist to hip ratio, despite no actual change in their routines. This study highlights the powerful impact of mindset on physical well-being, suggesting that our beliefs and expectations can influence our health more than we realize.

Belief as a Catalyst for Effort

00:47

Exploring the Influence of Beliefs on Health and Effort

2min

The Power of Mindset in Shaping Exercise and Health

8min

As a clinically obese teen, my parents were desperate to get me to a healthy weight. My mom coaxed me on a walk through our boring, middle-class Central Florida suburb every Sunday.

The road we walked was paved with good intentions, but for me, it was hell: the heat and humidity, the painful chafing between my thighs, the inevitable embarrassment of applying Vaseline to said chafing. … If I was going to suffer, I would need a reward, and it had better be a good one!

You can read the Nir And Far blog post on: Can You Think Yourself Thinner? https://www.nirandfar.com/think-yourself-thin/

Nir And Far, a podcast about business, behaviour and the brain by Nir Eyal. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes and leave an iTunes review. It will greatly help new listeners discover the show. Please visit my website Nir and Far for other info about my writing, books and teaching: http://www.nirandfar.com/

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