Each day you face the highs and lows of your own state of mind, as well as the onslaught of external threats from terrorist alerts, earthquake warnings, and economic downturns. Your mind is in a constant state of arousal, and your happiness and your physical health pay the price.

But, in this interview, Dr. Rick Hanson explains that you have enormous power, not only to change your frame of mind, but to physically alter your body, and even the structure of your brain by taking charge of your thoughts. He explains that although your brain is pre-programmed to focus on negative information, you can manage depression or improve your self-confidence in just a few minutes a day.

Acknowledging that how you think shapes your reality, he offers practical advice on foods you can eat to improve your mood, and how you can replace your “fight or flight” response with “rest and digest”.

Rick Hanson, PhD, is a neuropsychologist, who writes and teaches extensively on personal growth and contemplative practice. He is a co-founder of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom, and editor of the Wise Brain Bulletin. He is co-author with Richard Mendius, MD, of Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom and the CD set Meditations to Change Your Brain.