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Let’s be honest: in a world filled with challenges and negativity, finding happiness can sometimes feel like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands—frustrating and elusive. This isn’t surprising when you consider that our brains are literally designed to focus on the bad over the good. Why? It all boils down to survival! Our ancestors' brain functions evolved to give them the best odds of staying alive by constantly scanning for threats and lurking dangers—think snakes, beasts, starvation, fire, and the unknown! And that served us really well…. in the Stone Age!
Fast forward to today, and it’s safe to say that most of us aren’t at risk of saber-tooth tiger attacks anymore. Our chances of facing imminent threats to our lives are much lower, but our brains remain programmed with those same vigilant instincts. They still tend to dwell on the negatives — leading us to dwell on criticisms and setbacks while overlooking positive experiences & achievements – like that time you stumbled in front of your crush while brushing off a compliment from your best friend. Seriously, thanks, brain! This tendency is called “negativity bias,” and it significantly shapes our automatic thinking patterns.
Unless we make a conscious effort to look for the positive, this hardwiring can lead us to absorb a lot of negative self-talk from society, creating a tough cycle of self-doubt to break. The good news? Science has discovered a workaround known as neuroplasticity—our brain's amazing ability to change and adapt through new patterns. This is where intentional positivity comes into play. By cultivating habits that promote positivity—like positive affirmations, gratitude, and actively seeking the good—we can fundamentally transform our mindset and overall quality of life. Just like training for a sport, the more we practice positive thinking, the more natural it becomes. So, let’s take the first small steps toward embracing a happier mindset and leaving those metaphorical sabertooth tigers behind!
Self-Affirmations are positive statements designed to remind us of our strengths, values, and capabilities. Think of them as little pep talks you give yourself. They help counter those annoying negative thoughts and limiting beliefs that can creep in. You might use general affirmations like "I am worthy of love and happiness" or get specific with something like "I am capable of achieving my dreams." Sure, saying these out loud or sharing them with others might feel a little silly at first, but I promise (and so does the research) that they work!
There’s solid research backing up the power of self-affirmations. When you practice affirmations, you actually light up parts of your brain linked to reward and motivation—pretty cool, right? Here’s what that activation can lead to:
While self-affirmations are powerful, they can be even more effective when combined with other practices:
Cultivating a positive mindset through self-affirmations can have a profound impact on many aspects of life. Individuals with a positive outlook tend to experience greater resilience, improved communication and relationships, and better mental and physical health. By incorporating small, simple changes in your daily routine, you equip yourself with the necessary tools to face all of life’s saber tooth tigers.
So there you have it! YOU have the power to rewire your brain. Positivity is a skill we can learn and develop with practice and repetition. Finding happiness may not be as elusive as it seems after all.
Here’s to taking the first step in creating more joy and cultivating the life experience you crave!
If you are interested in individual assistance in cultivating happiness or developing skills that create lasting life change, reach out today! I’d be honored to offer support and expertise on your journey towards overall well-being and life satisfaction. Call B Well Counseling Center today to schedule your free 15 minute consultation!
– Jessica King, M.Ed., LPC-A,
Supervised by Dr. Jana McLain, LPC-S
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