Thinking Thin

Believing in one's potential for weight loss may be helpful in actualizing weight loss, according to a recent study conducted by Queensland University of Technology. The study is congruent with a trend of thinking begun in 2006 by American author, Rhonda Byrne's book, The Secret. In the book and the subsequent movie, Byrne explains self efficacy techniques that she claims help a person to realise his or her life goals.

What is self-efficacy? For laypeople, it's basically a strong belief in an aspect of yourself that has the potential to influence the outcome of your life. Scientists have been researching the power of self-efficacy for years and the brain's influence over a person's mental and physical health, as well as other aspects of life.

Believing in oneself and positive thinking are difficult in a city like London, where depression and stress are leading mental illnesses. New studies have even shown that depression can in fact have a negative effect on the body and lead to physical ailments. What can a person do to get into a positive frame of mind?

Counseling can effectively help a person acheive healthier thinking patterns. Many people claim that proper meditation also helps. Visiting a stress-management centre might be the answer for some individuals, or simply reading books on positive thinking and working through negative thoughts and fears.

Above all, a healthy diet and exercise are the foundations for a healthy mind and body, so it's important to stay consistant and on-track. As for the rest, it might be worth a try. Perhaps we all need a bit of self-efficacy in our lives. It definitely couldn't hurt!