National Geographic | Mind, Body, Wonder

This week: Positive thinking has very real benefits, according to science; the six indicators of good health; the unlikely origin of Pilates; important colon cancer signs to watch for; how your body clock rules your life; the truth about air-purifying houseplants.

PHOTOGRAPH BY KENDRICK BRINSON

Can positive thinking prolong your life? Science says yes

Scientists have known for quite a while that people with strong ties to friends and family tend to live long. A team from Brigham Young University looked at results from 148 studies dating back to 1900 that investigated whether solid relationships are a lifesaver. All told, a satisfying social life was as beneficial for long-term survival as quitting smoking, and may be even more crucial than exercise and overcoming obesity.

THE POWER OF BELIEFS

WELCOME TO SUN CITY, ARIZONA: For the retirees here, aging is actually fun +

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIKA LARSEN

Unlocking the healing power of you

Science is showing that how you feel isn't just about what you eat, or do, or think. It's about what you believe. And that belief can affect everything: It can improve the immune system, decrease blood pressure, add years to our lives. But why, and how?

A PLACEBO EFFECT?

The keys to longevity:

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Want to live longer? Focus on these 6 things.

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This island unlocked the secret to long life—and knows how to get through tough times

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Not all fat is created equal. This 'good fat' could keep us youthful.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DESIGN PICS, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION

The unlikely origins of an exercise phenomenon

Today, it is practiced by millions across the world and has exploded into a multi-billion dollar industry. But the birth of Pilates—once called Contrology—has humble beginnings: a British internment camp during World War I. This is the amazing story of how confinement helped one man learn how to move his body, help heal his fellow prisoners—and make his mark on the world.

THE BIRTH OF PILATES

NO TIME TO EXERCISE: Just 5 minutes still has a big impact on your health +

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANDY RICHTER

Does yoga have real health benefits? Here's what the science says.

In the U.S., it's held up as a fitness regimen, a path to transformation or enlightenment, and a treatment for so much that ails us—from addiction, headaches, and hearing loss to post-traumatic stress disorder, and heart disease.

WHAT SCIENCE CAN MEASURE

COLON CANCER SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

PHOTOGRAPH BY SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Colon cancer has doubled among adults under age 55. Genetics, the microbiome, and low screening rates may be factors in the increase, experts say. Here are risk factors for the disease—and the most common symptoms.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

VACCINES FOR CANCER? Finally, cancer vaccines are showing promise. Here's how they work. +

YOUR BODY CLOCK RULES YOUR LIFE

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAGNUS WENNMAN

Are you a "lark" or an "owl"? Your body clock has the answer. The sleep/wake cycle is just part of a much bigger picture of how our body clocks rule our lives. See how they control everything from our moods to our sexual desire.

THE MASTER CLOCK

More on precious sleep:

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While we sleep, our mind goes on an amazing journey

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Why podcasts and meditation apps are turning travelogues into bedtime stories

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The pandemic gave people vivid, unusual dreams. Here's why.

HEALTH NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

PHOTOGRAPH BY REBECCA HALE AND MARK THIESSEN, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Which houseplants should you buy to purify the air? Popular home décor websites list a number of plants that promise to remove toxins and dangerous chemicals from the air, and several online retailers market air-purifying plants to consumers. What do scientists say, though?

WHAT SCIENCE SAYS

How certain foods lower your risk of inflammation and disease

Want better behaved kids? Give them more sunshine

Allergy season is about to get worse

Endometriosis is common, incredibly painful—and often misdiagnosed. Why?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a puzzle. Your gut microbiome may have the key.

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