Stressors trigger responses and changes in our biochemistry, brain function and every cell of our body. This affects how we feel, our energy level and our wellbeing.
Negative thoughts and worries are stressors. Our mind’s main purpose is to keep us safe, thus it looks out for potential danger and latches onto negativity.
Then we ruminate on it and the negative mindchatter affects us emotionally, physically and our behavior.
According to Dr. Caroline Leaf, “True, personal transformation requires mind management to rewire neural pathways and create new habits.“
Dr. Leaf extensively researched the mind-brain connection and how the brain can change (neuroplasticity) with directed mind input.
Here are some interesting points from her work:
Toxic Thinking: “Uncontrolled, toxic thinking has the potential to create a state of low-grade inflammation across the body and brain, affecting cortisol levels, hormones, inflammatory factors, brain functionality and even the telomeres on the chromosomes.”
Thought Suppression: “There is a significant amount of research indicating that the suppression of thoughts, which causes mental distress, is related to telomere shortening and biological aging-our life experiences are reflected in our biology.”
Brain Detox: “People who have been taught to “tune in” to their nonconscious mind to manage their thought life and “detox” and “build” the brain are better able to navigate the ups and downs of life because they have a sense of control, which gives them hope.”
Dr. Leaf mentioned that through Mind Management they saw evidence of neuroplasticity. Through QEEG analysis, they observed new thoughts with memories forming, which correlated with less negative thoughts and an improved sense of life satisfaction and wellbeing.
Interestingly, on a cellular level, they observed fascinating changes. The telomere length (TL) which is a measure of biological aging, did change.
So, how can you make use of this information?
Our thoughts cannot just be ignored. They are there, you might realize them or suppress them. Neither is doing you any good and affects your wellbeing.
Start today:
Take a moment to check in with yourself.
I ask my clients to check in 5 x / day to get started:
What are you thinking? Feeling? Telling yourself?
Write it down.
If it’s positive, wonderful. Celebrate it.
If it’s negative, let it be, don’t judge.
At the end of the day, look at the negative feedback and you will find a trend. Perhaps it’s the same thought, feeling, selftalk over and over.
Take the key theme and reframe it into the opposite. Into what you want and use this positive statement as your affirmation / mantra.
You can build new neural pathways by using these positive statements.
Contact me for more Mind Strategies® so you can experience more joy and energy to live the life you desire.
