The mind is one of the most important parts of the human makeup. Mindpower, therefore, is an essential power man possesses. There is an adage that says: ‘As a man thinks, so is he’. This means that ill thoughts have ill effects, but great thoughts can make great changes. Thoughts affect the subconscious mind. Information kept in this part of the mind can subconsciously impact one’s actions accordingly.

Mindpower, aside from belief, has attracted a lot of scientific explanations. Scientists are exploring the power of the mind in terms of capabilities and dynamics. Some doctors are interested in knowing how the mind shapes health as well as other perceptions.

Dr. Alia Crum is the director of ‘the Stanford Mind and Body Lab’. According to her, “our minds aren’t passive observers, simply perceiving reality as it is. Our minds change reality.”

Also, Dr. Beth Darnall, who directs the ‘Stanford Pain Relief Innovations Lab’, shows how the mind plays a critical role in the perception of pain. She reveals that pain as a feeling “is highly responsive to each person’s psychology and mindset”

Dr. Darnall explains ‘pain catastrophizing’ as the feeling of worse pain by expectation and being helpless about the situation. A person with such a mindset may feel more intense pain, stay longer in the hospital after treatment, and often require more painkilling drugs.

However, a person who takes to a positive mindset is likely to feel less pain, spend less time recovering, and may require fewer pain medications.

Study shows various mechanisms for how the mind can influence health. One’s mental state can be crucial in determining his or her experience of symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and even depression.

For instance, when one takes pain medication and experience a placebo effect, it is not all a result of mind action. This is because symptoms are relieved by physical changes just like those triggered by drugs. Nonetheless, symptoms such as pain are finally controlled by the brain.

Self-talk is also found to boost mind power. There is an endless conversation ongoing in the mind every time. A healthy conversation produces a good feeling. Emotions, that are controlled by various hormones and chemicals released in the body, drive various kinds of thoughts and actions.

Knowing that our thoughts influence our reality, many doctors, as well as motivational speakers advise that people cultivate the idea of a perfect life. Can you start believing that you are a strong, healthy, and happy person? Avoid negativity and always maintain a positive posture. Try this with complete consciousness, and expect the desired changes.

REFERENCE

Information from www.forbes.com, www.theguardian.com, www.successconsciousness.com, and www.scopeblog.stanford.edu  was used in this story