top of page

Changing Brain Thought Patterns

Writer's picture: Catherine Ann WhiteCatherine Ann White

Negative thoughts occur for all of us. Individuals who live with depression, anxiety, or many other types of behavioral or chronic conditions often struggle to maintain positivity more than others. This is not a character flaw. Brain chemistry, neural pathways, physical health, and/or life challenges are the underlying factors behind this behavior.


The good news is, change is possible. The brain can regenerate and create improved health. So can the body. Capability exists to change thinking patterns as well. 


Read further to understand how to challenge negative thoughts, reframe thinking patterns, and create a healthy perspective. Then, join me in a practice of affirmations included at the end. 


Defining Brain Neuroplasticity


The brain’s ability to change and adapt is called neuroplasticity. Plasticity means to shape, form, and recreate. Similarly, neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to develop and grow in response to experiences. Because of neuroplasticity, the brain can create new neurons in response to novel experiences, build new neural networks, and thus change our thinking and behavior.


Positive life experiences and positive thoughts improve brain health and body health. It is important, for this reason, to choose healthy lifestyles intentionally and incorporate positive, healthy influences. We also need to train our brain to think in healthy ways. Science agrees, as shown in this article.


Creative Representation of Neuroplasticity
Creative Representation of Neuroplasticity

As mentioned in a Psychology Today article, neuroplasticity is highly significant. Plasticity of the brain enables the transformation of dysfunctional thinking and behavior patterns, and the development of new attitudes, skills, and capabilities.


Research suggests that repeating self-affirmations produces physical changes in regions of the brain associated with what we call self-processing. When we practice stating positive affirmations and challenge negative thoughts, we create and strengthen new neural pathways to reinforce healthy thoughts. Improved positive thinking then leads to improved health and resilience.


Automatic Thoughts Versus Affirmations


Negative thoughts are automatic thoughts. For example, an immediate negative thought to a compliment might be, “Her compliment is untrue; she is only being nice.” Positive thoughts occur spontaneously too, such as immediately thinking, “I am worthy of this compliment.” 


Positive thoughts differ from positive affirmations. Affirmations are short, positive statements designed to challenge negative automatic thoughts. Repeating positive affirmations is an intentional practice. The more we state the affirmations, the more we realize our capabilities, resilience, and potential for health.


Affirmations may feel incorrect; our immediate response to an affirmation might be a negative consideration. With repetition, though, we challenge negative thinking patterns and recreate positive perspectives. When we do, we form new, automatic thoughts that are positive and healthy.


Creative Representation of Brain Neurons
Creative Representation of Brain Neurons

Positive affirmations weaken negative thoughts and replace them with healthier thinking patterns. Like anything, such as training for a marathon or learning a new skill, practice leads to growth. So let’s practice!


An Affirmations Practice


The video at the end of this article includes several types of affirmations. They include true and positive affirmations about how to view the past, present, and future. Other affirmations affirm positive self-worth, reinforce self-love, and strength self-confidence. Others confirm our safety in this existence despite any of our struggles. 



Creative Representation of Auditory Processing
Creative Representation of Auditory Processing

Listen to each statement the first time you hear it. Then, when the affirmation repeats a second time, say it with me. Join me in this practice of reframing our thoughts to the positive and transforming our lives for the better.





 

To learn more about psychology and how to improve yourself and the wellbeing of others, keep checking the MINDDESIGNMEDIA Psychology Blog.

Comments


bottom of page