Using the Placebo Effect to Transform Your Life

[@AnaPsychology]

Cannoli believes he can open the fireplace behind me without thumbs

[@epicmercury333]

🤣

[@michellenoela222]

lol I was trying to figure out what he’s doing 😂

[@mikayla.mp4]

I did a double take because Cannoli looks so much like my cat

[@KaiOfAspen]

i've been pretending to be my ideal self for the past 4 months and my experience of the world has shifted drastically

[@doublebee_]

I would love to hear about it if you're comfortable to share !

[@ranjanasingh5451]

Sir can u plz share how to pretend like best self plz help me

[@t-shades7148]

"Would you rather be right or be happy?" I think you've just hit upon my greatest weakness! 😅

[@tawfiqawadallah7102]

One of the most effective methods I've found for developing positive beliefs is adopting a "fake it till you make it" mindset. Where I try to play a character of what ever quality I want to develop, I found that when play a specific character long enough that I subconsciously start to believe it with less resistance than just repeating positive affirmations.

[@AnaPsychology]

Yes!! This is why I have a whole template in The Personal Growth Journal where you identify an archetype (of someone who has the mindset you want), and then you list off their attributes and try to embody that archetype yourself. Not only is it effective, but it's also fun!

[@tawfiqawadallah7102]

@@AnaPsychology Yeah It's very fun, feels like role playing in a videogame!!

[@Mico-Xiyeas]

What helped me was accepting myself and simply being authentic tbh. Then just trying to legitimately improve from there. I tried the affirmation thing they didn't really stick. Maybe it's about how you do it. Either way my way worked, still nice to explore other side tho, considering different methods might have same good outcome but also maybe little differences to. Like Tylenol vs ibuprofen for headache but still slight differences in what it does that benefits or harms

[@jmfs3497]

Hope. This is exactly why an emotionally intelligent person in leadership will always use positive reinforcement, and never negative reinforcement.

[@S.G.W.Verbeek]

It drives me to investigate, and motivate me to coordinate and socialize more. Always working on the next future. I need a break pedal. I found out I always had a spare one 😂😁

[@growingoaks]

Science calls its a placebo, spirituality calls it manifestation. The bridge between science and spirituality is thinning and I'm excited to see how this impacts how people see each other and themselves. I think we're on the precipice of an awakening of our consciousness and realization as a species.

[@Mico-Xiyeas]

I believe im a bad bich periodt ayy

[@Jack-id4qm]

Your letter t jumped a word forward

[@Mico-Xiyeas]

@@Jack-id4qm lol

[@CesarSandoval024]

Toxic vibez

[@Mico-Xiyeas]

@@CesarSandoval024 projective vibes are also toxic, try again

[@harpersnyder2297]

Gen z in action

[@passwordprotectedd]

8:49 I agree. the pessimistic, negative outlook on life is so tiring these days. im such an optimistic and positive person, it's draining to be on social media full of negative people. It's weird that nowadays when you even suggest to have a positive and optimistic view on life people become offended and bewildered you would ever do such a thing lol.

[@AnaPsychology]

Yupp I've even read books where the author warns readers not to publicly declare they're optimistic because nothing makes people madder 😂 It was a bit late for me

[@Mico-Xiyeas]

@@AnaPsychology usually you can tell what people you can even tell that to, to. There's just an energy about negative people like that, I definitely don't share anything positive or talk to them ever. 0 social, just necessary communications

[@myrtila]

I have some social anxiety and I figured that when I visualise everything I’ll do in a specific situation (I specifically think how the average person would handle this situation), it becomes less stressful to actually engage with people!

[@mdavid1955]

You are are very refreshing for a therapist...You show your human fallibility & fears. Most therapist act Stoic...like robots.

[@growing.flowers]

How do you balance that placebo effect with lying to yourself? And optimism with toxic positivity? It can be easy to confuse it with a lack of self awareness. How much is good suggestibility ? And when does it become a harmful cognitive distortion ?

[@jazzmunkyy]

The solulu is to be delulu

[@CesarSandoval024]

😂😂😂😅😅

[@777iceprincess]

it’s amazing to see a psychologist talking about this. the world is changing in a positive way due to this sort of information coming to light more and more

[@777iceprincess]

also I do the food thing too! It comforts me to know exactly how the food I eat is nourishing my body

[@RabiaSammy]

thank you! this kind of reminds me of manifestation, tbh i always thought manifestation was kind of a gimmick but this shifted my perspective. its cool how CBT, manifestation and placebo all have sort of the same concept

[@exerciseforthereader]

In recent years, I started telling people that they are only as old as they believe they are, and they often laugh and say something about how I'll understand when I'm their age. I wish they believed me. I feel younger today at 26 than I did when I was 17-19 because of a change in outlook on life.

[@S.G.W.Verbeek]

I am not sure how old I feel. I do not want to suffer anymore by boredom, so I need a strong body to withstand the strenght of others😁

[@CC-kn3kw]

This color is *chefs kiss* on you 🤩

[@vincentandrew4717]

You know I met this billionaire once, and I asked him what was the thing he valued the most, since he could have anything he wanted. And one of the things he said was 'authenticity', and I think that's what I enjoy most about Dr. Ana. Very informative, authentic content. Love your stuff!

[@marte1376]

Please Dr. Ana keep making videos of this subject and self efficicacy. Absolutely interesting

[@kerfluffle]

Omg I used to do that with the food that I cooked for myself - I’d look up their nutrients while eating and feel so good about that! It’s nice to know I was using the placebo effect all along!

[@vardaanchawla723]

I am generally a very positive person but this morning I was spiraling because of what now looks like a minor inconvenience. This video really helped me. I have been watching this channel for some time now. Very helpful content. Thank you.

[@jessica5470]

The food thing is so true!! I have recently started eating more whole foods and ive always enjoyed finding out things about health and it really helps, it feels like it immediately relaxes me to eat them

[@maynardewm]

Well, I’ll give it a try! I have nothing to lose.

[@AnotherRandomChannel13]

Hey Dr. Ana!! I love your videos, and this one reminded me of something I do. When I'm feeling down, I pretend like I'm one of my favorite characters and adopt their motivation/optimistic personality. It's not only fun, I also feel instantly energized, because whatever I'm going through, I know they could, too!

[@nonono777]

To me, being optimistic feels like effort. When I'm studying for an exam, I try to be optimistic so I study more and get less nervous, but after it passes, I feel great relief because I can finally be pessimistic and expect a bad score

[@igormontenegro9557]

I'm so glad that you exist and are willing to share your knowledge and ideas with us. You're making the lives of so many people better, and, with that, changing the whole world. Thank you, Ana.

[@Kahon]

It's the best video of you, according to me. So many practical examples and actionable steps from all walks of life given here. I wish this video go viral soon.

[@jasminvomwalde7497]

Dr. Ana is Optimist Prime 🤖😎

[@ParticleLarry]

Is she also a semi truck?

[@yunginyungin74111]

I think she might be a cat?

[@janelarte]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. It was full of gems. It's definitely one of your best videos.

[@datura7883]

This is just called having faith

[@catmq2729]

I needed this today! I just quit my job due to bullying and anxiety and my therapist seemed disappointed when I told her, reminding me that ‘giving up’ and having knee jerk emotional reactions to situations is a pattern of mine. I’m trying to save up for art school at the same time, and after therapy I felt like I’d utterly failed and there was no point in continuing. I’ll try to visualize getting a job by the end of the month, and saving up enough money! Pessimism is such a difficult mindset to clear.

[@Nemo-Meme-o]

Best of luck to you! Hope you find yourself in a lovely and supportive work environment that helps you heal and grow 💙

[@andys990]

The plecebo effect is amazing. I had never heard about changing the biological age being so easy to change! That's awesome!

[@TheChurchofBreadandCheese]

I'd love a video on the overlap between Romani folk spirituality and Eastern orthodoxy. We have a similar phenomenon here in Ireland with Catholicism and folk celtic spirituality. Fae/fairy's were a big thing when I was growing up 20 years ago, my grandmother told me they are the neutral angels who didn't rebel or join God's side for example.

[@henryjohnson6679]

i do like being right but you have a point...

[@henryjohnson6679]

visualisation makes it easier for me to connect the future the present

[@SheikhN-bible-syndrome]

This is why we have the news and social media and other forms of communication is because whoever controls the opinions of the world controls reality

[@BiologyEntrepreneur]

I greatly appreciate your content! I really am interested in mental health. I can resonate with your content.

[@bernadettekiss7679]

Anna I hope I will see you soon famous in your career!!! 😊 your videos are super interesting and even though some of them are the same information that many other KZbinr talk about, you explain it much better!! 🎉 I do the placebo effect also visualizing, most of the time I sit in a hot bath listening meditation music. And it works! But I noticed that if I stop doing it for a while, the negative thoughts are coming back and when that happens also negative things start to show. Crazy but it’s true! So I think this visualization of good needs to be done forever all our life!? And also I am doing the same when eating healthy food just as you said :)

[@elinepost5689]

Although I agree with rather being happy than right, I do think exclusively self-soothing and ignoring problems in the world is part of what keeps these issue in place. It feels very selfish and privileged to not think and work through the world problems that make me uncomfortable. You just need to take it a step further and actually do something with it - like helping people in your community, or doing helpful research. Then, I agree a positive outlook and a positive way of interacting with others is very important and healthy.

[@t-shades7148]

I struggle with this because for me personally adopting a realistic mindset has been best for my mental health, as opposed to an optimistic or pessimistic view. Rationality e.g. seeing the world as accurately as possible is one if my strongest values, so it doesn't feel right to tell myself something that i don't know to be real, even if it might help. There's always a skeptical part of my brain saying "Yeah...i dunno about that..."

[@AwakenZen]

What's the difference between realistic and pessimistic

[@t-shades7148]

​​@@AwakenZenPessimistic = you expect things to generally turn out badly. Realistic (in my opinion) = you withhold judgement about how things will turn out because you cannot predict the future. It could turn out any number of ways

[@AboveRL]

I was on stage for a performance, and I rolled my ankle. I just told myself nope this is not happening. It's not injured, there is no pain. Then it went away, and I was fine.

[@aera1204]

I did not know that i have been using some of the methods you mentioned and it might be the reason why i don't get sick often ot when i do get sick i just imagine my body healing itself while drinking water or meditating

[@boeriucosmin4213]

Great video ana! The one thing i have always feard about this placebo effect is that once you become conscious about it, it starts losing its effect. I don't really understand how or why you still enjoy its benefits even tough you know its kind of a lie. Almost like I lie to myself, I know it's a lie, but I still fully believe this lie and behave like it's the actual truth.

[@anikasharma5052]

love the new intro music

[@doublebee_]

The thing is, for sometime with catastrophic thoughts, it could make it worse. I had to go to cognitive therapy to understand that what i'd think would not become true (emetophobia for my case, i was afraid of t-up just by thinking about it).

[@sirhubcap2171]

Whenever I hear there is a sickness going around, I tell myself I'm immune to all disease

[@RuthTaylor13]

The best video I’ve ever seen on this topic thank you

[@KeldonA]

I was thinking about different types of belief and how to use them for our benefit (in line with this video). Type I belief: informed by ones interactions with the outside world. Backed up by perceived evidence. Confirmed and made real by "authorities" (e.g. science, expert testimony). Type II belief: assumptions that can be held without evidence and treated as if true. Some may derive from Type I beliefs through deductive and inductive reasoning. Some may also derive from resolutions between Type I beliefs that conflict (e.g. a set of facts infers that XYZ is true, but a set of witnessed events challenges this, so we may form new beliefs to explain the discrepancy). I get the impression we hold a mix of both types and often do not differentiate between the two, causing conflicts that lead to cognitive dissonance, defence mechanisms, compartmentalization (e.g. being sceptical and materialist during the week, but spiritual on Sunday at church or around other spiritual people) and repression. Type II beliefs can be a powerful tool of manipulation and making use of performances to create Type I beliefs (e.g. a subject witnessing a seeming miracle to then install the belief that prayer or ceremony is responsible). But Type II beliefs can also be consciously selected for their behavioural benefits. This seems to be the approach Jordan Peterson advocates for religion where he says it's beneficial to live as if it's true as it provides the most benefits for the individual. Another example would be positive mental attitude, "abundance mindsets", and holding capitalist beliefs (which could motivate a person to set up a business they otherwise would not have). You could think of Type II beliefs as apps for the mind we install unwittingly, deliberately, or have installed by external manipulators.

[@TheBlackWitness]

You had me taking notes with this video.

[@Ellie-w2d]

I’d love to know even more exercises and tips on how to use this effect! Also, some song recommendations about the Pinterest thing?

[@MidwestBen101]

You should check out the boulder back pain study and pain reprocessing therapy, they use this phenomenon for physical issues

[@ShadowCatDreams]

Loved this!! How to deal when you're visualizing all the good things, successes etc but real life looks the opposite of that? And it just keeps going like that. It's hardcto be positive when you're living in the opposite of that. 😢

[@mawishi]

Just realizing that whenever you visualize the good things and genuinely believe it will get better, that you are actually working on moulding the future and that it will really help. Keep your head up

[@ShadowCatDreams]

@@mawishi ☺️ thank you

[@Evanesce13]

I believe she’ll reply

[@mhfusuchtie]

she will

[@Mico-Xiyeas]

She will reply with no response

[@AnaPsychology]

Hi!

[@Mico-Xiyeas]

She will reply with a response

[@sreeharis1927]

Hi

[@alexsvoboda4994]

Awesome video. Thanks Ana.

[@richardbraun4826]

I don't see why "being right" and "being happy/healthy/successful" are necessarily mutually exclusive. You can be right about the world being very crappy, but also right about why being optimistic is the best attitude despite of that, and (partially) as a result, be happy/healthy/successful. At least it seems to work for me. I wouldn't call that leveraging the placebo effect since it can all be completely rational and consistent with reality.

[@Carsarecool12-f8l]

This is really interesting.

[@twothirdsmore]

love this video and love this subject!

[@lexa9830]

Would you say this goes hand in hand with manifestation? Love your videos sm 💘💘💘

[@KYLETISZAI]

yep

[@dan-ch8kr]

not entirely

[@charlest1178]

Every Day In Every Way I Am Better And Better, Émile Coué

[@torriedekat]

I've the problem that I get toothache when I even think about the dentist. I'm not scared of the dentist, but my mind does not like it since I got really sick once because of an allergic reaction to local anasthesia.

[@aniran3612]

This stuff is helpful for careers as well? going through a change in careers right now.

[@clearseas2657]

I always think about the benefits of the veggies i eat :)

[@Thornton523]

Hey Ana, could you do a video on how to specifically dispute and deconstruct toxic self beliefs and how to force yourself to believe something positive about yourself ? You can use some examples in your own life. I have some self-doubt issues. My family can be very critical of me and my competencies. And I have been previously bullied in workplace and that hurt my self belief in my intelligence/competence. Also do you think it's possible to take this idea of placebo too far ? For example I would like to believe I'm a genius but is it actually possible to make myself believe that and doesn't that contradict your ACT therapy video?

[@ayala0023]

i hold a grudge against placebo effect bc last time i had period i had to take a different pain killer than my usual one and i did believe it would help but it refused to work and i was in pain for the next several hours >:[

[@jackdawson1054]

new intro music 🔥

[@michellenoela222]

“It’s the belief that matters”

[@anamaite5697]

so law of attraction is basically a placebo

[@realyoyoweb]

Tell me if i am missing something but you can't decide to be optimistic as well as you can't ask someone suffering from depression to stop worrying. Also, a risk of wanting to be optimistic in a voluntaristic way of thinking would be toxic optimism leading to emotion avoidance, isn't it ? That's why i personnaly chose mindfullness meditation (not like a tool but as an art of living) :)

[@oceanpearlss]

Law of assumption!! Neville Goddard, thank you Anna for this video

[@violettementhe]

OMG I do the food thing too !

[@raineyamihan]

I got shock when you mentioned Dr. Joe Dispenza. As long as we take what resonates and leave out what's not. 😂

[@TheEverGrowingRosey-333]

Such inquisitive kitty Cannoli is, much deserving of pets!

[@fisyr]

Well the problem is that I think I would rather be right than happy. I don't think forcing to delude myself into better outcomes is the right way for me.

[@Saneasianman]

Wow, new cat!!

[@brandonwilliams532]

New Intro is hard. Gives Men I Trust vibes.

[@julicyborg]

Hi Ana! How do you truly get yourself to “believe” something you do not know for certain to be true? When visualizing the positive effects of a placebo treatment, do you find that you also need to swat away worries that the treatment may actually be causing you harm? Any tips on combating negative expectations?

[@cynthiasmith2334]

It helps to come up with a list of evidence to support the positive belief. To combat negative beliefs you can come up with a list of evidence to support the opposite belief. Then figure out what you would need to feel better about that situation. For example *I will never succeed in my career -> I can succeed in my career because I’ve succeeded in other areas of my life, I have good project management skills, and I have access to a lot of career advice online. To feel better about this situation I need to make an organized to do list.* I hope this helps! :)

[@muffinland]

It's stuff like this that makes me absolutely certain that we live in the Matrix.

[@DockClock-rp2ro]

Time to gaslight myself. 😎

[@YourUpstairsNeighbor]

On the food aspect you don't do I 100% do it! I use that to keep myself from eating bad things. I learn why they are bad, then when im tempted to eat it, i tell myself "that's poison", and then i can't justify eating it. Because I care about not poisoning my body more than i want a donut

[@FameyRosie]

Aww i am so curious where you guys are moving to! Greetings from Germany.

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

How can you tell if you're an optimist or a pessimist? I do both.

[@jarofpickles1246]

Faith is powerful

[@tara55886]

Is the placebo effect really what people are referring to when they talk about 'manifestation:?

[@jonathancangelosi2439]

Reminds me of the idea of “useful delusions.”

[@radica1_ryan]

Been trying to use it to stop my stomach from being so annoying but it's not working 😕

[@jamie8703]

I very much view myself and the world through a negative critical lense. I've been working to interrupt that through mindfulness exercises, but I havent had any success with optimism. How does one balance expectations with constant disappointment.

[@Adelbert1309]

I don't know Doc. I always believed that I'm a Super Saiyan but I haven't been one.

[@israeltorralba294]

I’m currently trying this and will continue to. Is there any good articles that I can read to be more knowledgeable about this?

[@NamasteInYourLane]

Delusion is ok to an extent but too much can be dangerous.

[@luzvez]

do an episode on the huberman lab & his lies.

[@MollyHarrah]

Hi Ana, When it comes to this aren’t there limitations to this effect? For an example if someone says that they will be in the NFL playing football one day but it’s someone that is extremely short like 4 ft and probably can’t play against 6 ft tall people then wouldn’t that be a limitation? So aren’t there limits to the idea of tricking your brain if you are born a certain way? Or if you are tricking your brain and you say I am gonna be an Olympian of some sort at the age of 50? When that’s way past the prime of a gymnast and you have never done gymnastics. I’m just curious there must be some sort of limitations to this placebo effect. What are your thoughts?

[@AnaPsychology]

Yep, that's the rubber band analogy I mentioned in the video! There is only so far you can take the placebo effect, and positive thinking works best when combined with an actual treatment/intervention, which is why the suggestions I gave in the second half of the video were all paired with some sort of action.

[@CesarSandoval024]

Placebo would work like this. Well if the mind doesnt know wjats real or fake, then you can literally train yourself to be a Olympic gymnastic at 50, and a 4 foot NFL player. Truth is, youre not. BUT you WILL be a more pliable 50 year old gymnastic and a stronger 4 foot football player that can easily out take 6 foot friends inna game of football. I kkow its nit the same goals but you meet those goals in the middle, you dont rob yourself of optimism AND you stay more in a realistic realm of reality. Stay true to yourself. And stay positive.

[@MollyHarrah]

@@CesarSandoval024 Hi Cesar, Thanks for the response. I see your point. It makes sense to me now.

[@Thornton523]

Should I believe I’m a genius ?

[@KYLETISZAI]

yeah

[@nayelimirandaf.]

Very good video 😊 Are you moving to another country? It would be nice if on your other book channel you could talk about your process for decided which books you take with you and which books you leave behind.

[@AnaPsychology]

Thank you! I'm bringing all of them, I only threw out one book😅 I think you can guess which one based on my recent videos

[@ItsRavvit]

So all I’m hearing is dulu is in fact the solulu

[@michaelthomashamilton]

To me it sounds like Joe Dispenza lifted the mental movie idea from Maxwell Maltz. I'm pretty sure that same idea is mentioned in Psycho-Cybernetics.

[@AnaPsychology]

Oh man, I haven't heard of him but I wouldn't be terribly surprised. The concept is pretty simple; it's basically a video-form vision board with music for added emotional effect

[@michaelthomashamilton]

@@AnaPsychology Ah, well you might find interest in reading through Psycho-Cybernetics sometime. It's kind of the OG self-help book. Published in the 1960s, I believe. Inspired much of what came after. I read an anecdote about famed NFL coach Vince Lombardi giving out copies to his team, back in the day.

[@dougsheldon5560]

So, the entire basis of some religions?

[@AnaPsychology]

How so?

[@dougsheldon5560]

my father was a Christian Scientist

[@GMS8201]

Good video! Just cut the use of the word “actually”

[@jessica5470]

Hi Ana I was wondering do you think even if you know youre fully aware of the placebo can you convince yourself to be better? I am autistic I've always struggled with this sort of thing because my mind goes everywhere, but recently I've really been trying to use them mind tricks, I struggle badly with bruxism and work nights so when I got home at 7am my partner was also grinding his teeth and I just kept telling myself "I will not geind my teeth" and tried to repeat it but I could still feel my face getting ready to tense, I've had botox and everything this is my last resort, the guards just hurt my jaw and I guess my body just ignored the paralytic snake poison. I would assume its a subconscious thing as its done in sleep, I'm wondering if because it is all brain signals I could possibly think myself out of it? I know stress is a big factor but it happens regardless of whether I am or not and I worry because botox failed I mightve secured it in my own head that I will forever grind my teeth

[@ahem8013]

yes! a belief in the power of belief, is still a belief. if that makes sense, lol. and if it helps further, there have been studies done that show placebo works even when the subjects are aware they’re taking a placebo :)

[@AnotherBrownKid]

Can i placebo away traumagic childhood from parental abuse? Placebo myself into thinking my dad is amazing?

[@CarmenGL-h8r]

In my experience, I don't think so. Because this effect works ON YOU, not others. Your father will still acts as he does now. But you can work on it not affecting you.

[@mewingmanda]

maybe you can’t placebo yourself into thinking your dad is amazing but you can certainly help yourself heal from it and lessen the toll his abuse takes on your life

[@jjhassy]

mans search for meaning hope was important or something i dont remember the book help me out here

[@Aaa-dv3oi]

The placebo knee surgery is kind of fucked up AHAHAH