REAL Foundation

I recently completed reading "The Mindful Body - Thinking our way to chronic health" authored by Harvard Professor ellen langer. A brilliant compilation of her 30 years of research in the field of mind-body relationship. There has always been a debate over mind and body dualism. Professor ellen langer makes it clear that instead of considering the mind and body as separate units it is worthwhile to consider them as a single entity - that means wherever the mind is the body is. A few interesting experiments from this fascinating read: 1. The time-machine: Old people were made to relive their university days' hostel life for a week. They had to behave as if they are in the same time period. The entire set up had been designed just the same way the place was in the past. What was observed was fascinating. The same old people who complained about poor vision and chronic pain found a significant improvement in these five days. Their vision improved and even their strength. 2. The chambermaid study: Hospitality staff members were asked if they get enough body workout. The usual perception of a workout is going to the gym or playing a sport. Hence it was usual that the response to the question was a definite NO. However one of the group of the hospitality staff was given information about how their present work was itself equivalent to many exercises performed in the gym. Compared to the group of staff which did not get this perspective, the other group found a significant lowering of their blood pressure and blood glucose levels. 3. Perception of time: This was one of the most interesting experiment. Three sets of people had to undergo wound healing. The first group was given a clock that run twice as fast as the actual time, while the second group got a clock that run slower and the third group got the clock running at the same time as usual. Healing happened as per the perception of time. The group with the clock running fast healed faster. 4. Fatigue: A group was asked to do 100 jumping jacks and were asked to record when they felt tired. On an average they felt tired around 65-66. Another group was asked to do 200 jumping jacks and were asked the same. This group on the contrary felt fatigued around 120. This meant that fatigue is also a mindset. Many other interesting aspects of her 3 decade long research work has been explained lucidly in this book. The impact of mindfulness on our health and the impact that it can have on holistic healthcare is just phenomenal. These are interventions which are not expensive but significantly improves health related aspects. Kudos Professor ellen langer for this book! I would highly recommend reading and comprehending this book and even apply trying out some of these lessons on your own lives. #Themindfulbody #mindandbody #mindset #chronichealth