I think, therefore I am

Scientists have come up with more good news to rank alongside the discoveries that chocolate is good for you and a glass of red wine can stave off heart problems. It is possible to think yourself fit. A study of 60,000 people by researchers at Stanford University found that people who consider themselves to be in good shape are protected by a placebo effect against early death, even if their perception of fitness is wrong. However, people who are relatively fit but think they aren’t are apparently worrying themselves into an early grave. Simply thinking that everyday activities are good exercise is as good as going to the gym, it seems. Couch potatoes everywhere can celebrate and the lycra can stay in the wardrobe. Now scientists just need to tell us that we can think ourselves thin as well.