Thinking Yourself Healthy

When I was younger, at least once a year I would come down with a rotten cold. I’d get out of bed in the morning and try to get ready for work like I normally do, but my body just wouldn’t cooperate, which I found confusing because I was fine when I went to bed the night before. Along with the physical symptoms in my body, I felt and believed that I was sick. I'd give in to the feeling. Perhaps I was letting my thoughts control my physical body - mind over body. How powerful is the mind?

This is a guest post by Shelly Stinson, a freelance writer and health enthusiast. We hope that you find it enjoyable and informative.

Between the sudden onset of chills, a runny nose, cough, and feelings of fatigue, I knew I wouldn’t do anyone any good. So, I’d finally give in and call in sick to work before settling in on the couch for a day of sleep and relaxation in an attempt to get over whatever bug had invaded my body.

I remember lying on the couch when I felt like that and thinking, “Ugh! I feel just horrible. My head is throbbing, my throat feels like it is on fire, and my nose is so sore I think my box of tissue has secretly been replaced by sandpaper. I feel miserable!”

And when friends or family members would call to ask how I was doing, I’d go through my list of ailments, almost like I was trying to prove just how sick I was. Usually I was down and out for a couple of days with the crud, and the symptoms lingered another couple of weeks beyond that.

Fast-forward to today and when I start to feel ill, I take a completely opposite approach. I tell myself that I’m not going to get sick and that even if I have a bug, it’s not going to get me down. It’s like I become this defiant girl who is standing there with her arms crossed on her chest, tapping my right foot while saying to the virus, “You can try to get to me, but you’re not going to win.”

The result is that I honestly can’t remember the last time I was truly sick. The question is: Is this a coincidence or is my mind so powerful that it forces my body to listen?

According to Dr. Lissa Rankin’s book Mind Over Medicine, the mind is very powerful and oftentimes able to get your body to comply with whatever direction it chooses to go. She noticed this when dealing with patients who had no physical reason for being sick (all of their test results were negative), yet they still felt ill—even if they were living an otherwise healthy life. On the flip side, her patients who were healthier weren’t necessarily making better lifestyle choices; they were simply in a better place mentally.

Experts have shown time and time again that the way you think impacts other health-related aspects of your life. For instance, the thoughts you have often determines whether or not you struggle with food cravings, whether you exercise or not, and more. They play a huge role in how well you feel, so why not have positive thoughts more often so you ultimately have a better life?

Of course, that isn’t to downplay the role that diet and exercise play, because they are important too. There are many stories of women who have been able to cure their health by eating healthier foods. One such example is Jil Larsen, who put her skin disease in remission by changing her diet and juicing. Taking whatever steps to protect your health you can is always a good idea, and it very well may be just what you need to turn things around if you're feeling ill.

But with more and more proof that mindset matters when it comes to health, I’m not taking any chances. I’m going to keep telling myself that I am healthy as I can be, and I am going to believe it. Because I am.

About the Author

Shelly Stinson is a Denver, Colo.-based freelance writer. She enjoys covering topics related to health (both physical and mental), food, and exercise. When she isn't writing or doing research, Shelly loves to cook, travel, and build up her record collection.

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