Staying positive keeps you physically and mentally healthy. And to maintain that, you need to diligently practice brain training exercises every day.
Are you an optimist or a pessimist? It seems that this is a question that has more to do with attitude. But in fact, this is also influenced by many processes and chemical reactions taking place in the brain. Like many other habits, if you regularly repeat positive thoughts over and over, gradually the neurons associated with positive emotions will be formed.
Many studies show that people who are optimistic and happy are often more creative and solve problems in a smarter and faster way. They are also mentally alert, much more lucid than pessimists. Optimistic people have less cortisol (a stress hormone) and more serotonin (the neurotransmitter that without it, the body will feel tired) in the body. And to become an optimist, you absolutely can train your brain every day.
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* Express gratitude.
Feeling grateful when receiving help causes the brain to produce more serotonin and reduce cortisol levels significantly. Emotionally it causes the brain to increase self-motivation and a sense of well-being. You can start this simple method right away by sitting down and writing down at least 3 things that you are grateful for, feel very lucky to have them.
Pessimists focus on what they are not getting, optimists focus on what they have. If you persist in practicing this every day you will have a more correct perception of what you possess. Write down the things you are grateful for in a small notebook and carry it with you at all times. Focusing on gratitude also makes you feel lucky and your brain will manipulate your mood to become more optimistic.
* Continuity response .
Kind behavior helps increase the neurotransmitter dopamine (a substance that makes people feel satisfied and happy). Or when someone gives you a smile or a compliment makes both of you feel happy.
Make it a goal to challenge yourself every day to do at least one good deed: send a thank you email or buy a stranger coffee. Guaranteed what you get will be much more valuable than an increase in income or a career advancement.
* Laugh out loud .
“One smile is equal to ten tonics” – when laughing, the body produces serotonin to calm the parts of the brain that are under stress. Don’t forget to spend time with friends, watch comedies or do laughter yoga. It doesn’t matter how you smile, it can be a little reluctant at first but with practice it will become a good habit.
* Be careful in words.
Think carefully before letting go of complaints or harsh words. This is really a challenge for those who are used to “talk first, think later”. Saying bad words not only makes others hold a grudge against you, but also makes yourself have more negative thoughts. Always remember the saying “If you have nothing nice to say, be quiet”.
* Sweat .
Exercising regularly every day causes the brain to release endorphins, serotonin and many other chemicals that suppress cortisol. Regular exercise also helps increase your heart rate significantly each day. If you don’t have time to go to the gym, you can practice the exercises yourself at home. There are even ways to exercise right in the office. The main goal is to sweat, which not only improves physical health, but also greatly benefits mental health.