A new study seems to have found that positive thinking really can help you recover from long-term pain, as Cleveland Clinic Wellness reports:

In a new study on more than 1,000 women getting physical therapy for shoulder pain, positive thoughts and expectations were linked to better outcomes. For instance, while overall most patients improved, those who expected PT to be helpful were more likely to recover compared with those who expected little benefit. And those who were in more pain but believed in their ability to function day-to-day despite the pain (known as “pain self-efficacy”) recovered better than those who were in less pain but weren’t confident in their abilities.

Other research has produced similar findings. It’s not easy for everyone to feel happy when dealing with pain or other health issues, but meditation and therapy can help — and it may be worth it!