Can Hypnosis and Mindset Shape Our Reality?
Hypnosis helps to change the way we view our world, and so does your mindset.
(Article based on TED talk by Dr Alia Crum)
It profoundly influences how we perceive our world, a theory supported by a range of studies on patient treatment outcomes and health perceptions.
A research team led by Dr. Fabrizio Benedetti in Italy studied patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Morphine typically alleviates post-surgery pain, but the researchers found that those receiving the drug from a doctor experienced greater relief compared to those receiving it via an automated pump. This suggests that the patients’ awareness and expectation of treatment play a significant role in their pain management.
Further testing revealed similar patterns across various other conditions, including anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, and hypertension. Patients who expected to benefit from treatments experienced higher effectiveness, while those with no such expectation saw diminished results.
This phenomenon extends beyond medicine. In a study of 84 hotel housekeepers across 7 hotels, those who were told their work qualified as sufficient exercise for health improvements saw drops in weight and blood pressure and increased job satisfaction. This suggests mindset shifts can enhance physical health without additional effort.
The impact of mindset also touches diet and stress responses. A study on milkshakes showed that the body reacts differently based on expectations about calorie content. Similarly, changing workers’ mindsets about stress shifted their health, performance and job satisfaction.
Research indicates that shifting mindsets can lead to significant improvements in academic and professional success, as well as extending longevity by reframing aging.
While the power of mindset may not be limitless, these findings suggest a substantial influence on various aspects of our lives. Reclaiming this power and acknowledging its potential could alter any facet of life simply by changing our mindset.
Dr Crum’s full TED Talk can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tqq66zwa7g