We all want to be happy. That state of being means different things to different people. However, it turns out that possessing productive thoughts helps us to move toward that feeling of contentment. There are a number of contributing factors to this concept. Essentially, by now you’re aware that the way you think has a strong influence on the way you feel and behave. Therefore, it only makes sense that positive thinking and self-growth can increase your overall happiness. The information below details the ins and outs of the matter.
Happy Thoughts Reinforce Happiness
The brain is a magnificently complex organ, but you probably are aware that its “wiring” can be shaped through outside influences. One way this works is through the concept of pleasure. Our brains are configured in a way that reinforces pleasure. Therefore, your mind essentially rewards you when it is exposed to something good. It’s a chain reaction in which happiness begets happiness. The trick is to get the positivity ball rolling in the first place. Once you do, you’ll reap all kinds of rewards. Being positive increases your mental productivity, which leads to enhanced cognition, or thinking skills, and positive thoughts stimulate the growth of nerve connections.
It’s All About Chemistry
The ways you think actually alter the chemistry of your brain. Negativity slows your brain down and diminishes its functioning. Consistent negative thoughts can rewire your brain in a manner that contributes to sadness and depression. Positive and happy thinking stimulates the production of the feel-good chemical, serotonin, while decreasing the mind-slowing chemical, cortisol. If you want a productive and sharp brain, making a concerted effort to think good thoughts can definitely go far toward achieving that goal. Thoughts rooted in positivity support the growth and health of your brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex portion that controls thinking and emotional response.
You Can Train Your Brain
So, as you can see, what you do has a significant on the way your brain works. In turn, the brain responds accordingly, essentially resulting in a cycle. This could be why individuals often seem either optimistic or pessimistic. While this is an overly simplified explanation, it is true that your mind reacts to the input it is provided and that you can set your path to one of positive or negative functioning that tends to become the norm. There’s no need to despair if you tend to be a negative thinker. By focusing your attention, thoughts and actions on a more helpful mindset, you can begin to break free of the negativity cycle. Training your brain to be more upbeat can reinforce the pathways that perpetuate that type of thinking. Begin this process by stopping yourself when you notice a poor reaction to a life event. Take proactive steps to reframe the thoughts in a better way.
The more you practice this process, the more natural it will become. You’ll find yourself reacting positively more often and your happiness increasing by the day. Focusing on this intention will help you achieve the happiness you seek.
