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Monday, January 6, 2025

Focus on the positives

Michelle Keenan. Photo supplied

MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal wellbeing by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique needs and goals.

Did you know that the way you think can actually change your brain? It’s true!

Focusing on the positive, rather than the negative, can help rewire your brain, making it easier to feel joy and reduce stress.

It’s important to note it’s not about ignoring life’s challenges, but instead, training your mind to notice the good things present in your life.

When we notice the things that are going well, our brains release feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.

These neurotransmitters boost our mood, increase our sense of wellbeing, and help us feel more motivated.

It’s a bit like a natural high that encourages us to keep seeking out the things that make us happy.

And it’s more than just a temporary boost – focusing on the good can actually change the structure of your brain.

Neuroscientists have discovered our brains can change throughout our lives, a concept known as neuroplasticity.

This means with consistent practise we can strengthen the neural pathways associated with feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

One powerful practice is gratitude. Try taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for, and you’ll train your brain to notice the good things in life.

It could be as simple as pausing to appreciate your morning cuppa, or to feel and enjoy the sun on your face.

Over time, you’ll shift your focus away from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.

You can also notice how you talk to yourself. Be kind and encouraging – when you notice a thought like, “I’m not good at this,” try saying, “I’m learning, and I’m getting better.”

It might feel awkward at first, but just like building muscle at the gym, your brain gets stronger with practise!

By making consistent small changes, you can gradually rewire your brain to focus on joy, making it easier to navigate life’s ups and downs with a more positive outlook.

  • For more, see www.michellekeenan.com.
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