I am a psychology major and this is my very first time taking a journalism course or doing anything related to the field of journalism. I enjoy psychology because it helps me understand why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. One of the most interesting things I have learned in psychology is the placebo effect. It demonstrates how our beliefs can significantly impact our physical and mental health. When someone takes a sugar pill, believing it’s real medication, they often experience improvements simply due to their expectations of healing. This effect isn’t just limited to medication—placebos can affect everything from pain relief to cognitive performance. The power of the placebo effect is very strong and highlights the complex relationship between mind and body, illustrating how our thoughts can shape our reality.