If you could choose any superpower, which one would it be? Invisibility? Flying? How about… the ability to change the expression of your genes just by thinking positively?
A notion fit for fiction, yet founded in scientific proof and reality! Welcome to the wild and fascinating world of epigenetics, where your beliefs, thoughts and emotions can influence your genes.
Today, you will learn that the power is within you. This is about how our thoughts are much more significant than we can expect, helping us shape our health from boosting the immune system to reducing the risk of diseases like breast cancer.
It's Not Just About Your Genes.
While breast cancer can have a genetic component, your genes aren’t the only thing in control. Epigenetics is the science of how environmental and behavioral factors—like your stress levels, diet and even your thoughts—can influence gene activity.
Think of it this way: If your genes represent the blueprint of an already-made script, epigenetics is the editor that allows you to decide what makes the final cut and what gets left out.
Join us as we learn the different ways our beliefs can have profound influence over our health:
The mind and body are intertwined in a powerful feedback cycle of well-being. This means that our mental state can significantly influence our body’s internal harmony, reminding us of the incredible connection we hold within ourselves!
For instance, when you’re chronically stressed, your body excessively releases cortisol, a hormone that can weaken your immune system, affecting its ability to destroy cancer cells and increasing the body’s vulnerability to abnormal growths.
So, where does the “mind” in the “mind-body connection” come into play? Well, cultivating a positive mindset, supported by feelings of empowerment, support and inner peace, can significantly decrease our stress levels. Consequently, this influences our gene expression and protects us from threats of breast cancer by boosting our immune function and promoting healing. This isn’t just feel-good fluff—there’s science to back it up!
When you believe in yourself is when you thrive to your full potential.
It’s about time we talked about optimism and self-efficacy more deeply since it’s more than just “thinking happy thoughts!” When you expect positive outcomes, you’re more likely to achieve them. This is what we call a self-fulfilling prophecy—your beliefs shape your reality.
It’s not just that! People who have higher hopes and optimistic attitudes are shown to be physically healthier. When you believe you can protect your health, you’re more likely to make choices that support it. If you believe you have the power to challenge the risk of getting breast cancer, for example, you’re more likely to participate in preventive actions that promote immunity like having a healthy diet and engaging in exercise. See how this works?
If you’re still not convinced of the power of belief, let’s talk about the placebo effect. This phenomenon occurs when someone experiences real, measurable improvements in their health after taking a “treatment” that has no therapeutic value—simply because they believe it will work.
How does that happen? Our belief system provides a wondrous healing medium for our bodies. It can activate remedial physiological processes and alter gene expression to nurture one’s well-being. So, when you believe in your body’s ability to heal or stay healthy, you may be flipping the switch on those protective genes.
Small Steps, Big Changes.
After learning more about the influence our mindsets have, what’s the next step? Let’s explore simple strategies you can take to shift your thoughts and protect your health.
- Cultivate a Support System: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. The warmth, strength and inspiration of a good support system can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being. One reason for that is because you’re more likely to stick to positive habits when you have loved ones encouraging you on your journey.
- Engage in Mindfulness: Remember that relentless stress hormone, cortisol? One powerful way to soothe that wild energy is through mindfulness practices! Mindfulness invites us to be present, fully attuned to our thoughts and emotions without judgment. Research reveals that meditation can actually positively influence our health, fostering the healing processes of both mental and physical illnesses.
- Exercise Cognitive Restructuring: Scary word, I know. But let’s take a moment to explore. Cognitive restructuring is a tool for challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with positive, empowering ones. Techniques from Neuro-Linguistic Programming can help you reframe your inner dialogue, turning negative thinking into constructive action. Your brain is constantly rewiring based on your thoughts—so let’s make those thoughts work in your favor!
- Seek Professional Help: Sometimes, we all need help shifting our mindset. Seeking emotional intelligence experts and specialists can guide you in reframing negative beliefs and adopting healthier thought patterns. Not only that, but you can also benefit from having a safe space to explore your values and strengths, while fostering your personal growth to promote your well-being.
- Practice Journaling and Positive Affirmations: Write, write and write! Repeating positive affirmations on a continuous basis can help your brain focus on appreciation and gratitude. Over time, these habits can reduce stress and potentially influence how your genes behave. And don’t underestimate the power of repetition—it’s key to making these changes stick!
Your Mindset Matters.
Because you’re resilient; because you’re capable; and because your mind holds a remarkable power. Hold the fate of your life between your hands. The path to health is not just paved with physical actions; it begins in our minds and hearts, guiding us toward a more empowered and vibrant life.
Which step will you take in shifting your mindset in order to nurture a healthier tomorrow?