The power of positive thinking
Do positive and negative words actually make a difference
in our outlook? Can they change our physiology? Or is it all just hearsay? Let’s take a look.
Research has found that when you have negative thoughts, your brain releases chemicals that actually inhibit your ability to see solutions. Negative thoughts lead to fear, fear leads to the release of adrenaline, adrenaline makes us focus and gives our body the immediate energy to either run or fight. Here’s an example: imagine you catch a burglar breaking into your house. Naturally, you’re shocked and adrenalin floods your body. In this state, your choices are simple: either fight or run away. Your brain does not think logically.
Negative thoughts work the same way. They narrow our options. Your brain becomes conditioned to focus on just a few things. You physiologically cannot see opportunity because you’re hyper-‐focused on the problem. These feelings are only enhanced by expressing our anger or pain through negative words. Your brain starts “piling on” and that just makes things worse.
How about positive thoughts? Well, research has shown that positive thoughts actually expand your options and allow you to see problems as opportunities. Using affirmative words to express your feelings just reinforce this behavior and thought pattern. You actually train your
brain to be positive. Instead of adrenalin, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin making you “feel” better. Yes, positive thoughts actually change the chemistry of your brain!
Think of your brain like a big Duracell battery. It has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. When you activate the negative part, it drains you of hope, perspective and even energy. It affects those around you. Who wants to be around Debbie Downer? The positive terminal, on the other hand, activates a different portion of your brain. It recharges you, paving the way for a healthier perspective. You’re better prepared to see the greater good. Train your brain to be negative and you become cynical, lonely and angry. Train your brain to be positive and you become optimistic, social and joyful.
Today, do your best to stay positive, especially when facing problems. Start training your brain to be a positive engine. God gave us the capacity to be one or the other: positive or negative. It’s our choice. So the next time you face a stressful situation, step away and think of a memory that brought you joy: a favorite place, a movie that made you laugh, a time where you succeeded and felt proud.
Then, take 5-‐10 minutes and write down everything you felt at that time. Make sure to write down all the positive feelings. After you’re done, come back and address the situation. Train your brain to be positive and it will change your outlook. Be the best you. Because you’re amazing.
Have a positively great day! I’m proud of you! Love dad
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