The Science of Healing & Happiness: Insights from Dr. Jeffrey Rediger
One of the foundational pillars of happiness is our health—our energy, vitality, and well-being. It’s hard to maintain a positive mindset when we’re battling fatigue or illness. In a recent episode of Good Mood Revolution, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Jeffrey Rediger, a Harvard Medical School faculty member and the medical director of McLean Southeast Adult Psychiatry. His groundbreaking book, Cured, explores cases of spontaneous remission—where people are miraculously healed from terminal illnesses. His work has been featured on Oprah and Dr. Oz, and he believes that today’s miracles are tomorrow’s normal.
Here are some of the key insights from our conversation:
- Healing Is Possible—and It Follows Patterns
Dr. Rediger has studied people who have overcome what was thought to be terminal illness, and he has found clear patterns in their recoveries. By identifying these patterns, we can learn how to live healthier, more vibrant lives.
- The Power of Mindset and Emotional Healing
- Many of the people he studied experienced profound emotional and mental shifts that contributed to their healing.
- One patient, Claire, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Instead of opting for surgery, she chose to focus on emotional healing—resolving past traumas, forgiving, and releasing toxic stress. Years later, her cancer disappeared.
- Another patient, Matt, overcame terminal brain cancer and credited love as his cure.
- The Impact of Chronic Stress & the Fight-or-Flight State
- Chronic stress keeps us in a fight-or-flight state, which weakens the immune system and creates an environment where disease thrives.
- Our modern lifestyle—constant digital stimulation, social media comparisons, work pressures—keeps us in a high-stress mode.
- Healing happens in the parasympathetic state—when we are calm, connected, and at ease.
- How to Move from Stress to Healing
Dr. Rediger shared practical ways to shift into a healing state:
- Deep breathing & meditation – Activates the vagus nerve, helping the body relax and restore.
- Micro-moments of love – Engaging in genuine conversations, smiling at strangers, and creating meaningful connections has been scientifically proven to promote health.
- Gratitude & forgiveness – Letting go of resentment and choosing gratitude reduces stress and fosters healing.
- The Role of Nutrition & Lifestyle
- Many of those who healed changed their diets to include more diverse, plant-based foods while reducing processed foods and sugar.
- However, food isn’t just about nutrition—it’s also about love and connection. The way we experience food, in a joyful and communal way, matters just as much as what we eat.
- Movement and time in nature also contribute to well-being by shifting us into a state of vitality and renewal.
- Healing Identity: The Most Surprising Discovery
- One of Dr. Rediger’s biggest discoveries was how healing one’s identity can lead to better health.
- Many people he studied found a new sense of purpose, worth, and value.
- Whether it was falling in love, connecting with community, or simply deciding to embrace life fully, these identity shifts played a massive role in their recoveries.
Key Takeaways for a Healthier, Happier Life
- Reduce stress by shifting from fight-or-flight to a relaxed, parasympathetic state.
- Foster genuine connection – Love, kindness, and social bonds promote healing.
- Change the way you eat – Prioritize diverse, colorful, nutrient-dense foods.
- Breathe deeply & move daily – Activate your body’s natural healing mechanisms.
- Find joy and purpose – Living in alignment with your authentic self creates vitality.
Happiness and health go hand in hand. The more joy, love, and connection we cultivate, the healthier and more vibrant we become. If you’re looking for ways to increase both, start by making small shifts in your daily life.
Let’s embrace the science of healing and happiness together!