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US Adults Who Believe They Are More Active May Live Longer Than Those Who Believe They Were Less Active — Regardless of Actual Activity Level

  • July 21, 2017

If you’ve ever been told that something’s all in your head, you may be interested in new research that shows you might live longer by simply believing you’re more active than you are. According to Stanford News, scientists found that people who think they are less active have shorter lifespans than those who believe they are more active, even if their activity levels are the same. The research is indicative of the powerful effects of our mindset, and the importance of adopting a healthy mindset in our pursuit of physical health, researchers said.

The power of your mind to influence your health is well-established. From the way you breathe to the way you move, just thinking in a mindful manner can reshape your attitude and your body. To that end, we know that meditation can give you an energizing boost similar to caffeine, but without the adverse effects associated with caffeine. It also provides your body with rest that is two to five times deeper than sleep.

Controlled breathing is another way to settle your mind and ultimately benefit your physical health. It's clear that the way you breathe — whether fast or slow, shallow or deep — sends messages to your body that affect your mood, your stress levels and even your immune system. Research also shows that controlled breathing may directly affect your brain activity, including your state of arousal and higher-order brain function.

Additionally, controlled breathing may work as well as antidepressants to modify stress coping behaviors. The Buteyko Breathing Method, which teaches you to make a conscious effort to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth, is one breathing method I’ve found particularly effective.