The Happy Brain

Here is some interesting information on the relationship between appreciation, positive emotions and brain chemistry. I find the relationship between neuroscience and psychology fascinating. Turns out thoughts are just not strings of words floating inside our head, they are related to brain chemistry and mental health in a big way. Check it out:

"The brain is very happy when you are focused on what you love. The more you focus on what you truly love and desire, the volume gets turned down in those parts of the limbic system where the destructive emotions of fear, anger, depression, and anxiety are controlled. This allows you to think more clearly.

You also turn up the volume in other parts of the limbic system that generate positive emotions. When this happens, you get a release of dopamine, endorphins, and a variety of stress reducing hormones and neurotransmitters. The more you focus on what you truly love, the healthier you are likely to be and the more you will feel the positive effect of those stress-reducing neurochemicals in your body and mind.

You actually get kind of a double whammy. You can have a decrease in negative emotions and an increase in positive emotions when you align yourself with what you believe important to you."

~ Newberg & Waldman, Neuroscientists - University of Pennsylvania

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Note from me: So all those affirmations, journaling, lists of things we are thankful for, all of the tools we learn in therapy to help us think differently and healthier thoughts, actually have a positive biological effect on our brain chemistry and overall mental health.

In the beginning stages of recovery, it feels foreign to think positive thoughts, to calm the negative mind. I know it was hard for me. But with practice, it gets easier and it becomes a new way of living and thinking.

What are five people, places, things, activities, possibilities that you love, that you can list and spend some time thinking about today?

peace, hope and love,

Lily