First Physiological Mechanism
Each thought and emotion you have produces a physical electrochemical message. Every cell in your body has special receptor sites to receive these electrochemical messages. It is like the cells of your body have ears to hear messages from your brain. Electro-chemical messages that are positively changed, by upbeat emotions and positive thoughts, support health. Messages that are negatively charged, by angry or sad emotions and negative thoughts, can actually have a toxic effect on your cells and harm your health.
Second Physiological Mechanism
Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of the interactions between the emotional state, nervous system function, and immune system function. It has been discovered that there is an established set of nerve pathways, which directly links the emotional center of the brain (limbic system) to the organs of the immune system (spleen and thymus). This special nerve pathway forms a closed-circuit type of loop, therefore enabling the limbic system to have a direct effect on the immune system. Researchers have discovered that emotions of joy, inspiration, and optimism stimulate immune system function. Emotions of sadness, depression, and anger suppress immune function.
Third Physiological Mechanism
The limbic system is much more than just the emotional center of the brain. There are a total 8 functions that are controlled from the limbic system: 1) motivation and drive; 2) libido; 3) sleep cycle; 4) appetite cycle; 5) bonding and social interactions; 6) process smells; 7) stress response; and 8) emotions are experienced plus emotionally charged memories are stored. The state (positive or negative) of the limbic system is primarily set by emotions. Brain chemicals can effect emotions but the primary driver of emotions is thoughts. Keep this in mind as I share the next bit of information with you.
When the limbic system is in it’s natural positive emotional state, all functions that are located in the limbic system are positively affected. That means you will experience a higher level of motivation and drive. You will sleep better. Your appetite will fit your body's caloric needs better. Your stress response will be milder. When the limbic system is in a negative emotional state, all these functions that are located in the limbic system are negatively affected. In other words, you may have trouble sleeping, over eat or under eat, have an exaggerated stress response, lack motivation and drive, and so on.
How Important Is Your Mental Outlook & Habitual Thoughts?
Your answer should be MASSIVELY IMPORTANT! RIGHT!!
If I still don't have you on board with positive thinking, read this. Studies using SPECT imaging, a very specialized CAT scan which can detect areas of activity in the brain, have shown that the limbic system heats up when it is in a negative emotional state, such as anger, anxiety, or depression. It is cool in it’s natural, positive emotional state. Studies have been conducted where a SPECT scan was done before and after individuals practiced various positive thinking exercises. The SPECT scans showed that individuals were able to change their brains (cool their limbic systems down) purely with focused repetitive positive thoughts. The study was also included individuals who were asked to dwell on something negative in their lives. They too changed their brains - they heated up their limbic systems into a negative state.
Let's not forget that the limbic system is hardwired to the immune system. The immune system has two main jobs: 1) protect the body from harmful invaders and from dangerous mutating cells, and 2) it is the director of healing. You most certainly want a healthy, well-functioning immune system.
Our thoughts are POWERFUL! THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT!
Thought habits of positive people
Positive Thinking Patterns
Thought patterns are the habitual (repetitive) way that we perceive, think, and feel about different aspects and situations in our lives. Thought patterns are rooted in the subconscious mind and blossom in our conscious mind. Because they are rooted in the subconscious mind, they act like an invisible force directing our actions, reactions, perception, feelings, and how we live each day of our lives. Because thought patterns blossom in the conscious mind, individuals have the ability to recognize thought patterns and consciously nurture healthy (positive) thought patterns or redirect unhealthy (negative) thought patterns.
Everyone has control to choose their conscious thoughts, yet very few individuals take advantage of this control.
Check out the handout below, titled Positive Thinking Patterns, to better understand how you can become more aware of your thought patterns and replace negative unhealthy thought patterns with more positive health supporting ones.
Become Aware of Self Talk
We all talk to ourselves. Our self-talk makes an impression on our subconscious mind and our emotions. The words we use to communicate with ourselves can uplift or depress our emotional and mental states. The words you choose during self-talk can instantly change any emotional experience. The words we attach to our experiences, become our experiences. Words shape our perceptions and impact our actions. You can change your own emotional and mental state with the words you choose, plus you can enhance the quality of interactions you have with others.
Check out the handout below, titled Become Aware of Self Talk, to gain more insight as to how you can talk nicer to yourself.
Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are a special kind of self talk. An affirmation is a positive self-statement that diminishes negative personal beliefs and expectations. Individuals who consciously modify self-talk report immediate improvement in daily achievements and energy levels. When using the SEE IT - HEAR IT - FEEL IT - REPEAT IT method of practicing affirmations, you can literally reprogram the mind by replacing self-critical, demoralizing self-talk with uplifting, energizing messages. Positive affirmations give people an inner strength and set them up for success. Best of all, they are fun and easy to use.
Check out the handout below, titled Positive Affirmations, to learn how you can effectively write and practice affirmations.
Ask Better Questions
It is in the conscious mind that questions are asked and answered. When similar questions are asked and answered repeatedly, the conscious mind begins to reprogram your subconscious mind. The subconscious mind accepts the habitual answers provided from the conscious mind and over time starts believing these answers to be the truth. Regardless of the situation, asking better questions will help to improve your mental and emotional state, and your overall attitude. You will be amazed at how powerful questions can be in your life.
Check out the handout below, titled Ask Better Questions, to learn more about how to ask questions that leave you with positive, productive answers that empower you.
Derail Negative Thoughts
Positive psychology have shown that negative emotions can be harmful to health and can even shorten a person’s life span. One landmark study showed that individuals who reported that they frequently experienced negative emotions, died an average of 10 years earlier than individuals who reported that they frequently experienced positive emotions. Most emotions are preceded by or linked to conscious thoughts we think. This is good news because we can modify our conscious thoughts.
Check out the handout below, titled Derail Negative Thinking, to learn more about how to modify & derail your negative thoughts.