How Negative Thoughts Can Shorten Your Life: The Science Behind Telomeres and Aging

Many studies have explored the connection between positive thinking and mental health, and the results have often been striking. A recent study sheds even more light on just how powerful our mindset can be. According to the latest findings, not only is there a clear link between mental health and positive thinking, but negative thoughts may actually shorten your life.

Dr. Yaffa Shir-Raz explains that recent studies show negative emotions can damage a key biological mechanism in the body that accelerates the aging process, and can even lead to premature death.

The explanation lies within our chromosomes. Inside the nucleus of each cell, our chromosomes carry our genetic information. “At the end of each of our 23 chromosome pairs,” Dr. Shir-Raz explains, “there’s a special molecule called a telomere. This molecule acts like a protective cap, shielding our genetic material from damage.” She compares it to the plastic tip at the end of a shoelace that keeps the lace from fraying.

Every time a cell divides, the telomere shortens slightly, until it becomes too short for the cell to divide anymore. “Telomeres play a huge role in determining how fast we age,” she says, “and research shows that their length can predict early onset of age-related diseases and even early death.”

According to Dr. Shir-Raz, the secret to living longer lies in how we treat our telomeres. “It turns out that telomeres are influenced by many lifestyle factors, like healthy eating and regular exercise,” she says. But a recent book titled The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, and Longer, published in the U.S., claims that telomeres 'listen' to our thoughts, and are directly affected by them. Not surprisingly, negative thoughts are the most harmful. 

Cultivating a positive mindset therefore may not only improve your mood, but might actually help you live longer.