The Power of Mindset: What the Counterclockwise Study Teaches Us About Healing Chronic Illness

At UnabridgedMD, we believe true healing isn’t just about medication or procedures—it’s about nurturing both body and mind. One of the most fascinating pieces of research supporting this approach is the Counterclockwise Study, a landmark experiment that continues to inspire how we help patients living with chronic and rheumatologic conditions.

What Was the Counterclockwise Study?

Conducted in 1979 by Harvard psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer, the Counterclockwise Study was designed to answer a bold question: Can our mindset actually change our physical health?In this study, eight men between the ages of 70 and 89 attended a week-long retreat. But this was no ordinary retreat—the entire environment was meticulously recreated to look and feel like 1959. From the furniture and magazines to the music and radio broadcasts, everything was set up to transport participants 20 years into their past.

The men were encouraged to act as if they were actually living in 1959—to discuss current events from that year, care for themselves independently, and immerse themselves in memories of their younger selves. Even mirrors were removed to help them truly inhabit this younger identity.

The Results: Mind Over Body in Action

After just one week, the changes were remarkable:

• Stronger grip strength and improved joint mobility

• Sharper vision and better hearing

• Enhanced memory and clearer thinking

• Better overall physical performance

• A more youthful appearance and increased energy

These weren’t just subjective feelings—the improvements were measurable. The study powerfully demonstrated that how we see ourselves can directly impact our physical health and function.

Why Mindset Matters in Chronic and Rheumatologic Conditions

If you’re living with a chronic illness, you’ve probably had thoughts like:

• “Will I always have to take this medication?”

• “Is my body ever going to feel normal again?”

These questions are completely understandable. But research—and our experience at UnabridgedMD—shows that our beliefs and self-talk can shape our healing journey. When we focus on illness, we can unintentionally keep our nervous system in a state of stress (“fight or flight”), which increases inflammation and slows healing. But when we shift our mindset to hope, progress, and possibility, we activate the body’s parasympathetic system (“rest and heal”), supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

Try This: Healing Mindset Shifts

• Instead of: “My joints will be stiff again this morning.”Try: “My morning stiffness will ease quickly—my body is healing.”

• Instead of: “I’m worried this medication won’t work.”Try: “This treatment is helping my body restore balance and energy.”

• Instead of: “I’ll always have this disease.”Try: “I am moving toward remission and better health every day.”

Healing Together: The Power of Community

This is why we created our healing group at UnabridgedMD. In a supportive, holistic environment, you’ll find encouragement, accountability, and practical tools to help you reset both mind and body. Healing happens faster and more deeply when we do it together.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey—whether you live with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or another chronic condition—we’d love to welcome you to our next group cohort. Contact us at info@unabridgedmd.com to learn more.

Healing isn’t just about medicine—it’s about mindset, community, and believing in what’s possible.

Watch our YouTube video on the Counterclockwise Study HERE

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