MS Physical Therapy - The power of positive thinking
Does positive thinking affect your physical therapy program?
Henry Ford had a famous quote. He said "whether you think you can or think you can't...your right!"
So many times in recovery or treatment of illness or injury folks (I can use the term "folks" right?) just go through the motions. Some even talk negatively about what they are going through to family and friends. It's the "Oh pitiful me" syndrome.
I know, I have done it. When I want a little extra sympathy from my wife when I have a cold, I assure you...I lay it on thick!
The question is...are we delaying our own recovery? Does our attitude of mind and releasing of negative words create an atmosphere that is not conducive to healing and speedy recovery?
Lets look at some studies:
1. Researcher Sheldon Cohen, Ph.D. asked a volunteer group of 334 18- to 34-year olds how often they experienced happy or unhappy emotions. The volunteers then received nasal drops containing a common cold virus. People who reported feeling happier were less likely to catch a cold.
2. The March 2010 issue of Psychological Science, features Dr. Suzanne Segerstrom's study of 124 first-year law students. They completed questionnaires to determine how optimistic they felt. Each student received an injection that made skin bumps appear and become larger or smaller depending on her level of germ immunity. Highly optimistic students experienced higher immunity levels.
I could go on and on with examples. The evidence is overwhelming. The way you think determines your state and your state determines how effective your recovery and physical therapy program become.
Another way to positively effect your state is to change your words. Words create energy. When you say something you are releasing positive or negative energy. Could this energy be responsible for effecting the outcomes of situations in our lives? If so, could our words have an effect on the outcome of our physical therapy program?
Look at it like this:
Thoughts produce actions, actions produce habits, habits produce character and character produces destiny!
Your thinking AND speaking is very important! Think about it the next time you don't feel so well. Change your thoughts and words to produce a healthier atmosphere and see if you can change your circumstances!