In her book, Education, published in 1903, Ellen White wrote that “the influence of the mind on the body, as well as of the body on the mind, should be emphasized. The electric power of the brain, promoted by mental activity, vitalizes the whole system, and is thus an invaluable aid in resisting disease. …The power of the will and the importance of self-control, both in the preservation and in the recovery of health, the depressing and even ruinous effect of anger, discontent, selfishness, or impurity, and, on the other hand, the marvelous life-giving power to be found in cheerfulness, unselfishness, gratitude, should also be shown.”
She also wrote that there was a physiological truth written about in the Bible that people needed to consider; “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22. And in an article for The Health Reformer in 1877, she wrote, “The mind and body are intimately connected.”
Scientists are just beginning to understand the effects that our moods and emotions have on our physical health. For instance, an April 3, 2024 article in Neuroscience News.com reviewed a recent research study showing how our personalities can significantly influence gene expression which then directly impacts our health and well-being. The article summarized the study’s findings which suggest that adopting a positive and hopeful outlook on life can positively influence healthy gene activity which can improve health, happiness and longevity despite the stresses and challenges we deal with each day. According to one of the researchers, Professor Robert Cloninger, “These findings clearly demonstrate that a person’s mind and body are deeply interconnected. Each influences the other, so they are not separate.” For Adventists, this is something we have long understood.
