It seems like nowadays, as soon as we feel sick we immediately rely on a doctor to come to our rescue and prescribe us the appropriate medication; however, is it possible that our minds can actually help to heal our bodies? This might sound crazy, but by restoring positivity in the mind and soul, can we restore our bodies back to a place of normalcy? When people tell us that the physical pain that we may be experiencing while sick, after undergoing a surgery, or while suffering a loss or heartbreak is “all in our head”, should we stop rolling our eyes? Could they really be right?
According to Dr. Dean Ornish, Founder & President of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute and Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California in San Francisco, it is true that having positive thoughts and expectations can induce faster, better healing while negative thoughts can actually be detrimental to the immune system. So, if you ever find yourself struggling to leave your bed after a week of being sick or a nasty breakup, here are some ways to create a positive, happier mindset to save you that trip to the doctor’s office:
Feel the Love and Intimacy
I don’t think that there’s any feeling better than being with the people that you love and care for. Whether it is a best friend, boyfriend, husband, or family member, they’re the one who knows the right things to say to put that smile on your face and make you feel warm inside. The intimate interactions that we experience with these people can make or break our days, as well as being the root of what makes us feel sick or what makes us feel well. Feeling loved and secured can actually strengthen our immune systems. Even Dr. Ornish agrees! According to his book, The Spectrum, “Connections with other people affect not only the quality of our lives but also the quantity of our lives – that is, our longevity and our survival.”
Get Distracted
The sulking ends here. If you are going through a breakup or just suffered a loss, the best, most productive thing you can do is to focus on yourself. Figure out what it is that ignites a fire within you, and go after it now. This could be a career path, a hobby, or a personal goal of yours that you’ve been wanting to accomplish. Although this may be physically draining if you are ill, take this time to plan it out.
Complain Less
Almost every time that we complain, we don’t even realize we are doing it; however, it is almost never beneficial. Before you open your mouth and complain for the twentieth time in the last hour, try catching yourself and realize what you are doing. Complaining is simply spreading negativity, and no one wants to be around someone with a bad attitude. It affects your thoughts and the people around you. A good step in the right direction is to change your language. Try your best to avoid words such as “can’t” and “hate”, for those words are usually followed by a complaint.
Play Happy Music
How on earth could you feel down when blasting “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne?! Music is truly an escape – but don’t make it a ‘lock yourself in your room for five hours to get away from everyone’ kind of escape. Avoid those depressing playlists on Spotify that will bring on the waterworks after two songs. Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs that will take you to your happy place.
Try Meditating
To those who have never done it before, you may have a lot of judgments when it comes to meditating, but give it a try! Meditating can really help you become mindful and gain new perspectives, while also allowing you to relax and focus on breathing. It will boost your wellbeing and allow you to be in control of your body and your mind.
It seems like no matter how old we get, the doctor’s office just never becomes a desirable destination. That’s only one of the many reasons why we should heal our bodies through positive thinking. Not only does it save us a trip to the doctor, but it is free and available to everyone! It is one of the things that you have complete control over, and may possibly be the thing that saves your life. So what do you think? Do you think that we possess the mental power to heal, maybe even cure, ourselves from the physical pain that we endure?
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