Do You Mind?

If you dream it, you can do it. No, seriously – you can. Or so says a recent study from the British Journal of Health Psychology that found people who visualized themselves going through the actions involved in a specific health behavior were more likely to actually do it. Meaning, if you visualize getting your arse off the couch for a run, you’re more likely to go. Here’s the 411 on visualization, why it works, and how you can start:

Why: Your body and mind are so connected that your physical being can’t distinguish between an event that’s actually experienced vs. one that’s imagined. When you visualize something in your head, your inner thoughts lead to neurological patterns, which in turn, lead to muscular responses. It’s the ultimate domino effect.

Try: Remember the first time your beloved told you they loved you? Where were you? What were you wearing (or, ahem, not wearing)? Do you remember the sounds and smells? Now be aware of your body – did it just relax slightly? Compare that visualization to a time when you felt like you were in danger. Odds are, your shoulders just hunched and your body became rigid. See? Mind over matter.

Apply: Try visualization this afternoon during your 3 PM slump. Instead of fixating on how exhausted you are, close your eyes and visualize doing your favorite exercise and kicking ass at it. Need more inspiration? Pick up a copy of The Mind Gym: An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence which gave us serious goosebumps.

Lindsay’s Take: If only I could dream the elimination diet, but not actually do it.

Lauren’s Take: I have no doubt Michael Phelps does this every morning (and afternoon, and evening).

Visualize Winning!: Send BeThree to all your friends, then tell them to join you in entering to win the ultimate Women’s Eco Adventure Getaway in Jackson Hole by clicking here. Don't forget to visualize being the big winner! Hey, whatever works.

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