How Your Mindset Is Making You Sick & Age Faster | Dr. Ellen Langer

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Dr. Ellen Langer is a social psychologist and professor at Harvard University, widely regarded as the "mother of mindfulness." Her groundbreaking research explores how mindset influences health, aging, and performance, emphasizing the power of awareness in everyday life. She is the author of several influential books, including Mindfulness and The Mindful Body, which challenge assumptions about control, perception, and well-being. Dr. Langer’s decades of work have transformed how psychology understands the connection between mind and body.


In our conversation we discuss:
00:00 – Defining mindlessness: autopilot, past-driven behavior
00:49 – Mindfulness beyond meditation: simply noticing change
01:21 – Embrace uncertainty to pay attention
02:07 – Find novelty in the familiar
04:29 – Question assumptions; rules change with context
11:03 – Mind–body unity vs inherited dualism
14:03 – Placebo shows belief shapes physiology
15:57 – “Counterclockwise”: mindset rejuvenates aging markers
17:31 – Reframing work as exercise improves health
19:35 – Perceived time alters healing and glucose
22:09 – Fatigue depends on framing and context
24:31 – Challenge human “limits”; language shapes ability
28:15 – Prefer mindful imperfection over robotic perfection
33:27 – Behavior makes sense from actor’s perspective
36:47 – GLADO: generous, loving, authentic, direct, open
39:31 – Events are neutral; interpretations create stress
55:39 – Language reframes: forgive/blame, try/hope, remission/cure
1:03:47 – Mindful performance elevates art and creativity
1:07:04 – Keep relationships fresh by noticing change
1:14:34 – Daily cues: notice, reframe, play, stay curious

Learn more about Dr. Langer:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_L...
https://psychology.fas.harvard.edu/pe...

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