Your Body Follows What Your Mind Believes: Mindfulness As Medicine | Dr. Ellen Langer x Rich Roll
Rich Roll
Feb 12, 2024
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Make decisions and invest energy to ensure success
Since you can't predict outcomes, it's better to simply make a decision and then invest your energy in making that choice work out well.
Live younger to reverse biological aging markers
The 'Counterclockwise' study showed that men in their 70s and 80s reversed biological markers of aging by living for a week as if they were 20 years younger.
Recognize time perception's impact on blood sugar levels
In a study with diabetics, blood sugar levels followed the time shown on a rigged clock rather than the actual time that passed.
Reframe fatigue as a mental construct to enhance endurance
Studies show that when people expect to do more exercise, like 200 jumping jacks instead of 100, they get tired much later, suggesting fatigue is largely mental.
Reframe work as exercise to improve health outcomes
When hotel chambermaids were told their daily work was good exercise, they lost weight and their blood pressure dropped without any change in their actual activity.
Reframe cancer language from 'remission' to 'cured' for empowerment
Using the word 'remission' for cancer keeps patients in a stressful state, whereas calling it 'cured' would be psychologically healthier and more empowering.
Recognize psychological cues to prevent cold symptoms
In one study, people who were primed with cold-related cues like videos of sneezing developed cold symptoms without the introduction of a virus.
Investigate stress level as a predictor of cancer progression
A proposed study hypothesizes that a patient's stress level will predict the course of their cancer, independent of their genetics, treatment, or nutrition.
Notice symptom variability to enhance health control
Actively noticing when a chronic symptom is better or worse and asking 'why' can lead to significant health improvements for conditions like MS and Parkinson's.
Overdose on food smell to reduce cravings
To control your weight, you could potentially overdose on the smell of a food you crave, which may lead to you wanting to eat less of it.
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