How Your Thoughts Impact Your Strength
- Wes Murph
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
Have you ever noticed how your thoughts affect how you feel?
Your thoughts can also impact your physical strength.
As a mental health therapist, one of the most powerful moments I witness with clients is when they realize this connection.
It’s not just about "positive thinking"—it’s about how the messages you tell yourself can literally change how your body responds.
And the best part? You can experience it for yourself right now.
Let me show you an exercise that takes less than 2 minutes but can leave a lasting impression.
The Thought-Strength Connection Exercise
This exercise helps demonstrate how your self-talk can directly impact your physical strength. You’ll need a partner to try it out—someone who can gently test the resistance in your arm.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart.
Extend one arm out to your side at shoulder height, palm facing down.
Ask your partner to press down gently but firmly on your wrist while you resist their pressure.
Pay attention to how easy or hard it is to resist. This is your baseline.
Now Say This Negative Phrase 10 Times: “I am a weak and unworthy person.”
Say it out loud with some seriousness—even if it feels uncomfortable (that’s part of the exercise).
Immediately after, extend your arm out again, and have your partner press down just like before.
Did you feel a change in your resistance or energy? Most people report a noticeable drop in physical strength or sense of power.
Now Say This Positive Phrase 10 Times: “I am a strong and worthy person.”
Say it with intention. Then extend your arm and have your partner test again.
Most people feel stronger, more grounded, and more resilient when resisting this time.
The Science Behind Why This Works
This isn’t just a mental trick. Your thoughts affect your nervous system.
When you think negative, self-critical thoughts, your body may enter a subtle stress response—triggering fight, flight, or freeze signals. Even if you’re not aware of it, this response can weaken muscle tone, disrupt balance and drain your energy.
On the other hand, positive, self-affirming thoughts can activate a calming response in your brain and body. This can lead to:
Better muscle coordination
Increased confidence and assertiveness
A boost in strength and energy
This effect is supported by research in psychoneuroimmunology, which studies how our thoughts, emotions and beliefs influence the body through the nervous, immune and endocrine systems.
Studies have shown that affirmations and self-talk can affect performance, mood and even recovery after illness.
What This Means for Your Daily Life
Your internal dialogue is not just background noise—it’s part of your biology.
Whether you're giving a presentation, going to a job interview, managing anxiety, or just trying to get through a tough day, your self-talk shapes your experience.
Try This:
Before a stressful event, say to yourself: “I am capable, grounded and resilient.”
Notice how this impacts your physical presence, energy and focus.
Reflection Prompt
Take a moment to think about the thoughts you repeat to yourself most often. Are they empowering? Or do they drain your energy?
Your Challenge:
For one week, choose a positive affirmation that feels meaningful to you. Say it out loud to yourself each morning. Then, notice how your body and emotions respond.
Thank you for reading this post. If you’d like to schedule a 10 minute phone call, to see if we may be a good fit, email me at:
Tell me your name and what you’re struggling with. And I’ll get back to you within 48 business hours.
I wish you and your loved ones good health and happiness!
Wes Murph, MA
Professional Counselor Associate
License R7507
Supervisor: David Habib Martin, LPC | License C3306
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