Think Yourself Healthy!

March 15, 2013
Credit: Getty Images
Your powers of make-believe can help you control cravings, get motivated to work out, and even improve your vision.
Start Slideshow

1 of 5

Hot mind-body trick

Credit: Cheyenne Ellis

Your powers of make-believe can help you control cravings, get motivated to work out, and even improve your vision, according to several recent studies.

"If you imagine an experience, the brain stimulates itself in the same way as if you were doing it," says Joachim Vosgerau, co-director of the Center for Behavioral Decision Research at Carnegie Mellon University. Try these techniques to harness your mind’s superpowers.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 5

To curb cravings

Credit: Getty Images

Distract yourself

In one study, volunteers were able to reduce food hankerings by imagining a rainbow or the smell of eucalyptus.

3 of 5

To get to the gym

Credit: Corbis

Envision your workout

Taking a few minutes to conjure up what your sweat session will feel like (pounding heart and all) may make you more likely to get off the couch.

Advertisement

4 of 5

To boost confidence

Credit: Getty Images

Stand like a rock star

Researchers found that striking a confident stance actually stimulates a hormonal response that can make you feel more self-assured in minutes.

5 of 5

To improve your eyesight

Credit: Getty Images

Pretend you’ve got 20/20 vision

Study participants who took on roles associated with perfect eyesight, such as a pilot, showed marked improvement in vision tests compared to those who didn’t.

Who knew pretending could be so powerful?

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next