Sure, there are some questionable claims in the alternative health industry about the healing power of thoughts. But from a scientific perspective, there is strong evidence that our imaginations, feelings, and thoughts can cause biological and chemical changes in our bodies.
No, you can’t magically wish away a disease with positive thinking. But your attitude matters more than you might think.
Consider stress. It’s clear at this point that stress’s effects on the body—such as increased cortisol levels—can weaken your immune system, which makes it harder to defend yourself against infection. By extension, that means your lifestyle choices, mental activity, and levels of optimism are all variables that can shape your well-being as much or more than your circumstances.
The mind can’t fix the body all by itself, but it is an incredibly powerful tool. Learn how to harness its potential with our Instaread on How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body.
