24. How Positive Thinking Helps You Live Longer with Dr. Catherine Sanderson

There are many benefits to cultivating a positive mindset, including reduced stress and better mental health. But did you know that positive thinking plays a major role when it comes to how well we age and even how long you live?

In todays’ conversation, I connect with Dr. Catherine Sanderson to discuss her book, “The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health and Longevity.” We explore the latest research on mindset and discuss how negative beliefs about aging can dampen your experience and even curtail your time on Earth. While adopting a positive mindset requires effort, Dr. Sanderson shares science-based strategies that can enhance your happiness and quality of life now, as well as boost your longevity.

Dr. Sanderson holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a specialization in health and development from Stanford, as well as both a master’s and doctorate in psychology from Princeton. Her research has received grant funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Health.

Here’s what to look forward to in today’s episode:

-What inspired Dr. Sanderson to write her book

-The difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset

-Why labeling your child as “smart” can cause them to have a fixed mindset, and what kind of compliments we can give to help foster a growth mindset

-Ways that we can nurture our growth mindset

-Shifting our mindset when it comes to stress and anxiety

-How mindset can impact longevity

-How negative thoughts about aging can impact us and how different cultures look at aging

-Why comparison is the thief of joy

-Ways we can invite more happiness into our lives

Connect with Catherine:

IG: @sandorsonspeaking

Twitter: @sandersonspeaks

Check out her book The Positive Shift

Connect with Whitney:

IG: @whitneywoman