How our Beliefs affect our Biology
We don’t see with our eyes, we see with our brain. Our beliefs and expectations create a filter through which we perceive everything in our lives — especially our own strengths and abilities. Our brain then programs our bodies to behave accordingly.
In an experiment to test whether we’re able to change our self image, participants aged between 61 and 99 were invited to play a computer game. During the game, positive age-related words — such as wise, astute, insightful, knowledgable, experienced — were flashed very quickly across the screen. It was too fast for people to read what they saw but their brain was able to register the words nonetheless. After four sessions, the participants’ physical wellbeing, mobility, and perceptions of ageing all significantly improved — more so than a comparable group of people who’d been attending a six month exercise program without any attempts to change their attitude.
Another study of 30 000 adults examined the effects of chronic stress. People who experienced high levels of stress but did NOT view stress as harmful, had better health, less depression and greater life satisfaction than people with the same amount of stress who viewed their stress as damaging.
How can we apply these findings to our own lives? Could some of our preconceptions be standing in the way of our optimal health, wellbeing and life fulfilment? If so, what can we do to master our mind so that we come alive and thrive rather than merely survive?
This is NOT a pep talk about positive thinking but rather a masterclass on constructive thinking. Positive thinking doesn’t work unless we already believe what we’re telling ourselves. Positive thinking can actually be damaging if we deny or suppress our true feelings. The secret to success is shifting our perspective to rewire our brain for optimal health and performance.
