I’ve featured several posts here about how such things as “an attitude of gratitude,” smiling, and forgiveness positively affect your health and DNA. And now here’s more information from an article featured at The Spirit Science about how the words you use/choose have an effect on brain functioning and health. So when you are coming up with a health routine, don’t forget to include the very important mental and emotional aspect of things…..
The words you choose to use can literally change your brain.
Dr. Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist at Thomas Jefferson University, and Mark Robert Waldman, a communications expert, collaborated on the book, “Words Can Change Your Brain.” In it, they write, “a single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress.”
When we use words filled with positivity, like “love” and “peace”, we can alter how our brain functions by increasing cognitive reasoning and strengthening areas in our frontal lobes. Using positive words more often than negative ones can kick-start the motivational centers of the brain, propelling them into action.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, when we use negative words, we are preventing certain neuro-chemicals from being produced which contribute to stress management. Each and every one of us are initially hardwired to worry; it’s how our primal brain protects us from dangerous situations for survival.
So, when we allow negative words and concepts into our thoughts, we are increasing the activity in our brain’s fear center (the amygdala), and causing stress-producing hormones to flood our system. These hormones and neurotransmitters interrupt the logic and reasoning processes in the brain and inhibit normal functionality. Newberg and Waldman write, “Angry words send alarm messages through the brain, and they partially shut down the logic-and-reasoning centers located in the frontal lobes.”
An excerpt from their book tells us how using the *right* words can literally change our reality:
“By holding a positive and optimistic [word] in your mind, you stimulate frontal lobe activity. This area includes specific language centers that connect directly to the motor cortex responsible for moving you into action. And as our research has shown, the longer you concentrate on positive words, the more you begin to affect other areas of the brain.
Functions in the parietal lobe start to change, which changes your perception of yourself and the people you interact with. A positive view of yourself will bias you toward seeing the good in others, whereas a negative self-image will include you toward suspicion and doubt. Over time the structure of your thalamus will also change in response to your conscious words, thoughts, and feelings, and we believe that the thalamic changes affect the way in which you perceive reality.”
A study done by Positive Psychology further elaborates on the effects of using positive words. A group of adults aged 35-54 were given a nightly task of writing down three things that went well for them that day, including an explanation of why. The following three months showed their degrees of happiness continued to rise, and their feelings of depression continued to decline. By focusing and reflecting on positive ideas and emotions, we can improve our overall well-being and increase functionality of our brain.
What words do you choose to focus your energy on? If you notice your life isn’t exactly “peachy,” try carrying a journal with you to keep track of how often you use negative words. You may be surprised to find how simple the solution to a better life really is- change your words, change your life.
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And FMTV is offering a free 3-day detox. Here’s the invite and details from James and Laurentine…..
Can you believe that summer’s finally here? The year is flying by so fast!
There are so many things to love about the warmer months… Whether it means a tropical island getaway, long days lounging in the sun or a break from work to simply recharge.
Yet how often do we get to summer vacation utterly exhausted? Many of us put off taking a break, until weneed a break and it’s too late – we’re already burnt-out.
Which is why we’re hosting the Food Matters 3 Day Summer Detox, online so the world can join in!
This is your chance to break the cycle of feeling tired all the time, and reinvigorate your entire wellbeing with a wholesome detox!
It’s the same detox that we do every year, and we guarantee that you will feel totally energized,revitalized and renewed.
The detox runs from June 24th – 26th, and you’ll receive a daily recipe video from us to guide you through each day. We are with you every step of the way.
Simply sign up for your FREE spot here, and over the next few weeks, we’ll be sending you shopping lists, meal plans and everything you need to feel pumped up and prepared.
And don’t forget that the Longevity & Anti-aging Summit starts on June 6th. You can find out more and sign up on my What’s New page.
p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.