How to Train Your Brain to be More Positive?
Training an individual brain to be more positive is not only for avoiding the problems, it helps us to live in the present moment and gain the power to go further in life. Improving our mental well-being and all over life satisfaction also, an individual needs to train brain to be more positive. Cognitive and behavioural psychology more into changing our negative thought pattern and help to live with an optimistic outlook. While it may seem difficult to change these patterns, because these patterns make us today’s us. So with the proper psychological strategies can improve mental well-being and all over life satisfaction.
One of the main strategies to break these negative thoughts and empower positive thought patterns is practice of gratitude. According to Robert Emmons, In his book Thanks! How the new science can make you happier (2007), says that writing down three things you are thankful to yourself helps to rewire your brain to be more positive. This will give an emotional well-being, reinforcing positive emotions, and reducing stress.
Another strategy for empowering more positive mindset gain through challenge negative thought. Cognitive behavioural therapy put forward this method for improving a positive mindset. According to David D. Burns book The feel good handbook, (1980), instead of having negative thoughts like cognitive distortions, how individuals can challenge their thoughts. For example, instead of thinking “I always fail” the individual can think like “I may not have succeeded this time, but I can learn from this experience.
Additionally, mindfulness meditation which means to be in the present moment plays a crucial role in bringing more positivity to the brain, as discussed by Eckhart Tolle in The power of now (1997). This also helps an individual to break free from cycles of negative thinking by promoting awareness of the here and now, this will help to reduce anxiety and enhance emotional regulation.
Further support for the development of a positive mindset is self-talk, introduced by Martin Seligman in Learned optimism (1990). Replacing negative self-talk with affirmations and more realistic, constructive, thoughts vital for cultivating a positive mindset, individuals can build more resilience with the help of self-talk.
Lastly, Visualisation can make a significant role to train our brain to be more positive. In The psychology of visualisation (2011), Shilpa Agarwal explained, through visualising the individual can achieve goals or overcoming life challenges will help the individual gain more self-confidence.
With the help of these strategies an individual can train their brain to be more positive. These techniques not only help rewire the brain, but also promote resilience and improve emotional health. Consistency is the important key factor for developing and maintaining these strategies.
References:
- Emmons, R. A. (2007). Thanks! How the New Study of Thankfulness Can Make You Happier. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
- Burns,D. D. (1980). The Feeling Good Handbook. Plume.
- Tolle, E. (1997). The Force of Then: A Path along Mental Incognizance. New World Library.
- Seligman, M. E. P. (in that year of 1990). Learned Optimism: Methods for Transforming Your Mind and Your Life. Knopf.
- Agarwal, S. (2011). The Psychology of Visualization. Mental Techniques Press.
Written By- Mr. SUDARSAN - Psychotherapist (Mindmaris Counsellors India Pvt)
