Using Your Mind to Control Your Physical Health & Longevity | Dr. Ellen Langer

About this video

• Video Title: Using Your Mind to Control Your Physical Health & Longevity | Dr. Ellen Langer
• Channel: Andrew Huberman
• Speakers: Andrew Huberman, Dr. Ellen Langer
• Duration: 03:22:20

Overview

This video features a conversation between Andrew Huberman and Dr. Ellen Langer, a pioneer in the field of mindfulness and the mind-body connection. They discuss how our thoughts and mindset can profoundly impact our physical health, well-being, and even longevity. Dr. Langer shares her research and unique perspectives on concepts like mindfulness, the power of choices, the nocebo and placebo effects, and how embracing uncertainty can lead to a more engaged and healthier life.

Key takeaways

• Mindfulness as Noticing: Dr. Langer defines mindfulness not as meditation, but as the simple process of noticing new things, which can be done actively by observing your surroundings or by recognizing that everything is always changing.
• The Power of Choice: An early study by Dr. Langer showed that elderly individuals given more choices in their daily lives lived longer and experienced improved mobility and cognitive function, demonstrating the impact of perceived control on health.
• Mind-Body Unity: Dr. Langer emphasizes that the mind and body are not separate entities but a unified whole, and reconnecting them amplifies our control over our biology.
• Exercise is What You Believe: A study showed that hotel maids who were simply told their work counted as exercise experienced significant health benefits (weight loss, improved BMI, and lower blood pressure) compared to a control group, illustrating the power of mindset over physical activity itself.
• Labels and Certainty: Dr. Langer argues that rigid labels and the pursuit of absolute certainty, often ingrained through education, lead to mindlessness and limit our potential, whereas embracing uncertainty naturally fosters attention and mindfulness.
• Behavior Makes Sense: A core principle discussed is that all behavior makes sense from the actor's perspective, which, when understood, can lead to greater self-acceptance and a more positive outlook, reducing the need for blame and forgiveness.
• Playfulness and Curiosity: Making activities fun, embracing playfulness, and maintaining a sense of curiosity, even in everyday tasks, can lead to greater engagement, improved well-being, and potentially longer life.
• Mindful Hospitals: Dr. Langer advocates for a shift towards "mindful hospitals" where the environment and interactions are designed to reduce stress and foster a sense of agency, recognizing that stress is a major detractor from health.
• Experience vs. Rules: Her research suggests that as we gain experience, we tend to rigidly adhere to learned behaviors, even if they are no longer optimal, highlighting the importance of continuous adaptation and mindful re-evaluation.
• Limitations of Norms: Societal norms, rules, and even scientific "absolutes" are often just decisions made by people and can hinder individual potential and well-being if followed mindlessly.