For years, we have heard and read of the Power of Positive Thinking, and in the initial step of BELIEF that forms that foundation step in the art of positive thinking. It is the driver that brings together our actions to make things happen.
Now, research is showing another proof-positive that believing works. According to a Science Daily News article, psychologist Hendrik Mothes from the University of Freiburg’s Department of Science is proving that people benefit from exercising, BETTER when they BELIEVE that they are benefiting from exercising… when they have “positive mindsets about sports.”
Mothes’ research team tested a group of 76 women and men, ranging from 18 to 32 years old, who exercised on a bicycle ergometer for 30 minutes. Prior to the test, they were divided into smaller groups where some groups were shown one of a few films that discussed the health effects that come from cycling … others were not. They were also tested about their prior beliefs in exercise, asked to fill out questionnaires, and their brain activity was tested by an electroencephalogram (EEG) while cycling.
Those with a positive predisposition toward exercise and who believed in the positive benefits of cycling beforehand were less stressed and enjoyed the exercise. Further, “According to the measurements of brain activity, the participants with greater expectations before the beginning of the study and those who had seen a film about the health benefits of cycling beforehand were more relaxed on a neuronal level.”
Bottom line: Believing makes a difference. Exercise does, too!