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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