David R Hamilton, Ph.D. – It seems it can—according to a growing body of research into how our mindset impacts health and wellbeing.

Let’s start with a fascinating (if slightly gross) study. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University gave 193 healthy volunteers nasal drops containing cold or flu viruses. Beforehand, each person’s emotional style was assessed—essentially, whether they had a more positive or negative outlook on life.

People with a positive emotional style tend to meet life’s stresses more calmly. Those with a negative style are more likely to feel frustration, anxiety, or stress in response to the same events. Continue reading →