Have you ever wondered where exactly your thoughts come from? Or how do your thinking caps work? Moreover, why do some thoughts just pop into our heads!?
Our brain has 2 ways of thinking. Scientists call it 'system 1' and 'system 2'. System 1 is the fast one that just pops answers right into your head when a question arises. System 2 is a more calm, collected system, which analyzes every situation and question slowly.
A thought starts in your brain and travels through special channels called nerves. In order to form thoughts, your brain sifts through a vast database of memories, experiences, and images to make connections. Hence, if you are tired, the words like ‘rest’, ‘sleep’, and ‘water’ rise up in your brain. Your brain is constantly playing a word association game. For instance, if you think of the word ‘burger’, your brain thinks of vegetables, cheese, McDonald’s, etc! Even when you are not purposefully and consciously thinking like when one is trying hard to remember a fact or to solve a puzzle, your brain is just as active. It is always keeping track of where you are in your environment and what events you might expect to happen in the near future.
While your brain is extremely powerful, it can still be prone to irrational thinking. If you tell yourself you cannot do something, your brain believes it and your chances of succeeding automatically decrease.
People who live with a positive outlook always leave their minds open enough to see all that can be done to achieve what they desire. On the other hand, people with negative outlooks on life sometimes miss things they need even though they are right in front of them. Positive thinking does not just help you navigate the world around you, it boosts your health and wellness and increases your memory as well.
Let us talk about 2 hormones- Cortisol and Serotonin
Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. When we are always working too hard, coping with toxic or stressful life situations, or feeling overwhelmed by the numerous parts of modern life, we can experience constant cortisol release. It is especially prevalent when we do not have a strategy to manage our stress.
Serotonin, on the other hand, is considered a natural mood stabilizer.
When positive thoughts are created, such as when you are joyful or hopeful, cortisol levels drop and the brain creates serotonin, resulting in a sensation of well-being. When serotonin levels are normal, people report feeling happier, calmer, less worried, more focused, and emotionally stable.
In a nutshell, we can say that if you just think positive, positive things WILL happen!
Bibliography:
n.a. “Healthline: Medical information and health advice you can trust.” Healthline. n.d. Web. 8 Apr, 2022. <https://www.healthline.com/>
