“Fool yourself” into being healthy

We know our minds can control our bodies.

We’ve all felt “worried sick” or were so overcome with emotion, we had to sit down, with the wind knocked out of us…

But I was fascinated to find out that it can work the other way around too.

Our body can control our mind – even if we know what we’re trying to do.

We can “pretend” our way into feeling more powerful, confident and healthier… and then it starts to happen.

It’s like a placebo effect, and you actually know you’re taking a sugar pill.

I’ve known for a while that when I’m doing something I particularly dislike, like a hard workout or a stressful task, I should smile.

Because even if you’re not happy, a smile makes you feel better… physically.

Now I may look like some sort of whacko with a big old smile as I’m pushing a wheelbarrow full of rocks, doing some gardening project Karen has me on…

Still, if it makes it easier to do, I’m willing to take that chance.

“Faking it” also works if you act more powerful and confident.

Simply by holding your body in a different way, you not only gain confidence, but actual physical markers of health get better. And they can see it in your blood.

Researchers had volunteers strike a “power pose” – arms on hips, feet planted wider, with an effort to take up more space. Like you’re suddenly the “big man on campus.”

By doing this, participants’ testosterone levels went up. And cortisol levels fell. In turn they were more confident, less stressed… more powerful.

And healthier too.

Researchers studying high power “alpha” males in animal groups show they have the highest testosterone levels, and the lowest cortisol.

But you don’t have to beat your chest like a gorilla to gain confidence.

All it takes is a little posing, and two minutes later… you’re like a different person.

I’m going to try this, and see if Karen sees any difference in me.

Maybe I won’t have to take out the trash…

God Bless,

Jeff Reagan

Editor, Patriot Health Alliance