Have you ever experienced that a single negative event can turn a perfectly good day into a write off?
Our brains are intrinsically wired to prioritise negative experiences.. It’s a survival mechanism that we have to blame our hunter-gatherer ancestors for. Their brains were constantly scouting for threat.
Sadly, we seem to be bound by this negativity bias. If someone tells us 5 good things about ourselves but points out a bad, we will only remember the bad.
However, the good news is that we can actually rewire our brains to adopt a more positive outlook!
Studies have demonstrated the brain’s neuroplasticity – its ability to structurally reorganise itself through repetition and patterned activity. This means we can, in essence, reprogramme our neural pathways.
When you learn a new skill, like tying your shoelaces, neurons (nerve cells) in your brain form new synaptic connections. This process involves the transmission of electrochemical signals from one neuron to another, creating a neural circuit, a bit like a newly formed pathway in a dense forest.
Each time you reactivate this circuit (tie your shoelaces), the synaptic connections become stronger, making it easier for neurons to communicate. This reduces the cognitive effort required. After repeated activation, the skill becomes automatic, requiring minimal conscious thought – it becomes “second nature”. This is a process of myelination, where a fatty substance coats the nerve fibres, speeding up signal transmission.
This principle applies to positive thinking and behaviours. By actively practicing positivity, we strengthen the neural pathways associated with positive emotions and thought patterns. Over time, our brains become predisposed to react positively to situations. We can grow our own positive brains
Grow a positive brain by….
Practicing gratitude
Consciously acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life. Maintain a gratitude journal and record at least three positive experiences each day. Remember, consistent repetition reinforces the neural circuits associated with gratitude.
Performing acts of kindness
Engage in acts of kindness daily, no matter how small. This could involve writing a thoughtful note or offering a sincere compliment. Kindness activates reward pathways in the brain, releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which promote feelings of well-being.
Thinking positive
Even in challenging situations, look for the gold and find positive aspect or potential benefit. This helps to shift your cognitive focus and reduce the impact of negative emotions.
And remember if if you say something negative to yourself or to others, remedy this with 5-10 positive statements.
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