Did you ever wonder why your brain will immediately focus on the negative of what’s happening even when everything else is going well? Here’s why!
Neuroscience research has shown that negative stimuli elicit stronger responses in the brain than positive ones; which explains why we tend to naturally dwell more on negative events.
This is called negativity bias and it holds true even when positive and negative events are of the same magnitude, meaning we feel negative events more intensely so our brains tend to focus more deeply on them.
For instance, if you post something on social media and get 2 positive response but 1 negative, most likely you will go to bed thinking about the negative one. Isn’t this crazy? It’s like our brains search out the negative.
The first step to change and shifting our mindset is acknowledging negativity bias, which is what we are doing here today. This is so that we can start to understand why we dwell on the negative over the positive and take the steps necessary to a brighter, happier, healthier future.
The GREAT news is, you have the ability to reprogram your brain at any time in your life, no matter what your age or situation. Everything is in your hands, you just have to want to do it and be ready to make the effort. When you put in the work to shift your mindset to focus on the positive each day, with practice, eventually you will be less affected by negative over time.
But if you do the opposite and allow the negative to control your brain, you will only strengthen the neural pathways for even more negative thinking and worrying. Who wants that?
So why not start the positivity reconditioning right now through the process of positive psychology; which is process of focusing on your strengths that will enable you to thrive. Seeing the good in you and the assets you posses.
Ask yourself, what is the BEST part about me? Try to name one thing you LOVE about you.
The field of positive psychology believes that people want to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives and want to be happy by cultivating the best within themselves.
As a Health and Wellness Coach, this is the baseline of what I do everyday with my clients as we search for the good in everything while reprograming your brain to do the same long after our sessions until it becomes a part of who you are.
If you’re ready to take baby steps to a happier, healthier life, you can learn more about me, Cristina Pierce, Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Lifestyle Medicine Specialist, HERE.
