I got out of this book everything I was hoping for: specific scientific studies proving optimism/attitude affects health, a better sense of what optimism is, and assurance that I am not a victim of my biology. Reading this coincided with a timely invitation from a friend and a debilitating round of viral bronchitis; these words of wisdom came at a low and introspective time for me. I'm taking a lot from this book.
I knew the Placebo (and Nocebo) Effect existed; I wanted to know why. After reading this I understand that it's your body that heals itself - not the crazy kind of healing akin to telekinesis and self-morphing but the kind where your skin grows back together after you get a cut on your finger. Yes, that's healing oneself; we do it every day. This function of our bodies works best in a state of relaxation, without the complicating factor of a stress hormone. Keeping oneself calm and relaxed facilitates healing. I get that. I agree with that. I saw the list of study after study in the book and I know there is no refuting that self-healing does, indeed, happen. Dr. Rankin is thankfully not anti-medication, which I appreciated. She approaches this from a scientific perspective, offers scientific proof, and leaves the reader with a solid, basic understanding of what our bodies can do to heal themselves.
The things I didn't like are really only two: 1) her language was a little fluffy at times, like I was on a mystical spiritual retreat, and 2) she mentioned "tapping" as a way to get emotionally healthy. A former therapist had me try tapping three years ago and I just can't get behind it as a valid way to work through one's feelings. It's a little too out there for me.
Due to the intensity of self-examination, I'm taking the following from this book:
1. Invest more time into social relationships.
2. Find a community of like-minded people.
3. Use my creative outlet.
4. Meditate more.
I knew the Placebo (and Nocebo) Effect existed; I wanted to know why. After reading this I understand that it's your body that heals itself - not the crazy kind of healing akin to telekinesis and self-morphing but the kind where your skin grows back together after you get a cut on your finger. Yes, that's healing oneself; we do it every day. This function of our bodies works best in a state of relaxation, without the complicating factor of a stress hormone. Keeping oneself calm and relaxed facilitates healing. I get that. I agree with that. I saw the list of study after study in the book and I know there is no refuting that self-healing does, indeed, happen. Dr. Rankin is thankfully not anti-medication, which I appreciated. She approaches this from a scientific perspective, offers scientific proof, and leaves the reader with a solid, basic understanding of what our bodies can do to heal themselves.
The things I didn't like are really only two: 1) her language was a little fluffy at times, like I was on a mystical spiritual retreat, and 2) she mentioned "tapping" as a way to get emotionally healthy. A former therapist had me try tapping three years ago and I just can't get behind it as a valid way to work through one's feelings. It's a little too out there for me.
Due to the intensity of self-examination, I'm taking the following from this book:
1. Invest more time into social relationships.
2. Find a community of like-minded people.
3. Use my creative outlet.
4. Meditate more.
