Health tips
The science behind positive thinking
A human brain has millions of brain cells called neurons. Each neuron consists of a nucleus, cell body, axon (fiber), and the dendrites (branches) as its main parts. Neurons connect via fibers, which help them transmit messages (electric signal or the impulse) from one neuron to another. Thus, they create a network.
When we choose a positive thought by its nature, this creates a positive impulse, a message in the centre of a neuron. A message travels along branches and triggers the release of the organic compound called serotonin, responsible for the feeling of satisfaction and happiness. Serotonin is also a messenger, which means that it allows a message to continue its path and build a positive thought pattern. That is the moment of the “eureka” effect when we see the problem’s solution and get new ideas. Sounds simple? Yes, but keep in mind that the connections via fibers between neurons are not instantly permanent, they are unstable. Therefore, we need to repeat the positive thought, train the brain to think positive, and from time the connections become stable, they create a belief. More connections mean that the brain is more active.
And what about negative thoughts? The process is the same, but another compound is released – cortisol, responsible for the feeling of sadness and depression. Don’t hate it too much! It is released in a moment of fear; it alerts us to be careful. It is good and useful in the moment of escape from danger or struggle. For example, if you ever run into a bear in the woods, you would run thanks to cortisol.
But in this modern life, the problems are different than an encounter with a bear, something our brain can’t understand; it doesn’t know if it’s a problem to run away from or not. Its reactions are the same, all the body energy is redirect to the part of the brain, which is focused on our object of fear, and our body is stressed out.
