A simple way to retrain your brain
Did you know that that 75-80% of our thoughts are negative?
And that 95% of those thoughts are repetitive?
That’s what psychologists and neuroscientists tell us.
That we think about the same negative or worried or stressful things over and over.
Does that surprise you?
Pause for a moment and what is the first thought that pops into your brain?
Is it negative? Is it something about the past? Maybe a regret?
Is it something about the future? Maybe a worry?
Or is it positive? Joyful? Full of gratitude or love?
If you’re like most of us, it was negative!
Why is negative thinking not good for you?
Most obviously, because it can impact your mood and your ability to enjoy what you’re doing.
And also, some scientists say stress and negative thinking can make your body more acidic. And that’s not good for your health.
BUT the fabulous and exciting news it that those neuroscientists also tell us that you can do something about your negative thinking!
And my hot tip today is to slow down and savour the good moments in your day.
Every time you think a negative thought, you are strengthening the neural pathways associated with that negative thought and the negative feeling associated with it.
BUT
Every time you think a positive thought, you are building the neural pathways associated with that positive thought. And I heard a talk by Rick Hansen, who said that if we slow down for even just 10 or 20 seconds, to pause and enjoy a thought or a beautiful moment and savour that moment, that can build up your positive neural networks in your brain.
And if you do this even just 6 times a day, you are already retraining your brain to be more positive, and filling your body with hormones associated with calm and joy rather than stress.
And the more you do this, over time it will get easier and easier to think more positively.
At the moment it’s autumn here in Sydney, so I’m loving walking around and enjoying the beautiful colourful autumn leaves.
If you’ve been on one of my retreats, you may have experienced my favourite way to build these positive neural pathways, and that is to savour a flavour you enjoy.
You could try this at home: We take a piece of chocolate or fruit and pause before it even touches our mouth. Look at it. Smell it. (Is your mouth watering already?)
Now place it on your tongue and notice the sensations. Are you salivating?
Now start to eat the chocolate or fruit. Eat it as slowly and mindfully as you can. Enjoy every moment. Keep bringing your mind back to this moment, the flavour, the sensations.
I encourage you to try it!
And after you try it, please reply to this email and let me know – How was that for you?
Warmest wishes for many positive moments!
Carolyn
The Shy Woman's Coach, guiding shy and sensitive women from nervous stress and FOMO to calm, confidence and connection. With playful curiosity and self acceptance, come and take small steps towards living with joyful flourishing.