Human Brain is negatively biased, a survival instinct. Whenever we are resting or taking a break from the focussed task, our brain Default mode gets activated automatically which are responsible for our thoughts and feelings, and it’s often associated with our negative thoughts and emotions. 

To cultivate a more positive mindset, regularly practice gratitude, challenge negative thoughts, and engage in positive self-talk. Surround yourself with supportive people, practice mindfulness, and prioritize activities that bring you joy. Additionally, consider incorporating regular exercise, healthy sleep habits, and acts of kindness into your routine.

The first step in training your brain to be positive is deciding that you want to! If you’ve realised that your brain has a negativity bias and you would like to change it to be more positive, you have already taken the first step.

What Happens when You Train your Brain to Be More Positive?

When you train your brain to focus on the positive, it can have a significant impact on your overall well-being.  Some of the benefits of having a positive mindset on life and situations include:

1. Increased happiness and satisfaction with life.
2. Increased resilience in the face of stress and adversity.
3. Better physical health and decreased incidence of illness.
4. Increased creativity and productivity.
5. Improved relationships with others.
6. Greater sense of control over your life and your environment.
7. Increased mental clarity and focus.
8. Reduced incidence of anxiety and depression.
9. Improved sleep quality.
10. A longer lifespan

It is evidently clear, that having a positive mindset is beneficial at large, but the mute question is why we are so negative at our outlook in real life situations. So lets dwell futher and find out the scientific reasons for the prevailing negativity.

Why Am I So Negative?  

Human Brain is negatively biased, a survival instinct. Whenever we are resting or taking a break from the focussed task, our brain Default mode gets activated automatically which are responsible for our thoughts and feelings, and it’s often associated with our negative thoughts and emotions. 

The science behind the scene is that our brains tend to lean towards negative thoughts and emotions when not focused on a task; it has a negativity bias. It places more emphasis on negative thoughts as compared to positive ones, so when a negative event occurs, it is interpreted by our brains as much stronger or more important emotion than when a positive event occurs. 

What are the Issues with Old adage of “Positive Thinking”

While positive thinking can be helpful in some situations, it often doesn’t work in the long run. This is because trying to force yourself or your brain to think positively can actually backfire and lead to more negative thoughts and emotions. In fact, studies have shown that people who engage in positive thinking often feel worse than those who don’t.

How to Train your Brain to Be Positive – Scientific Techniques.  

Science has shown that there are a number of ways to train your brain to be positive. Here are some science-based methods that can help:

1. Practice Gratitude.  One of the best ways to retrain your brain to be more positive is to practice gratitude. When you focus on the good things in your life, it helps to put things in perspective and makes it easier to find the silver lining in difficult situations.
2. Gratitude Journal.    Regularly write down things you're thankful for. This can shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life. 
3. Verbalize Gratitude.   Express appreciation to others and acknowledge the good things that happen to you. 
4. Use Positive Affirmations.   Repeating positive affirmations such as “I enjoy life, and I am full of health and positivity,” helps to rewire your brain; it can have a powerful effect on your mood and outlook on life.
5. Smile.  Even if you don’t feel like smiling, forcing yourself to do so can actually help boost your mood. When you smile, your brain releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, which makes you feel good.
6. Exercise.   Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it’s also great for your mental health. It helps to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.

Build Support System.

• Spending time with Positive People.   Hanging out with negative people can often bring you down, while spending time with positive people has the opposite effect. Positive people can help to lift you up and make you see the world in a more positive light. Spend time with friends, family, or colleagues who are optimistic and supportive. 
• Limit Negative Influences.  Minimize exposure to negativity from media or toxic relationships. 
• Priotise Self Care.   If you’re not taking care of yourself both physically and mentally, it’s going to be difficult to be positive no matter how hard you try. Make sure that you’re getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and taking some time for yourself every day to relax and de-stress
  • Healthy Habits.    Engage in regular exercise, get enough sleep, and maintain a balanced diet. 
  • Mindfulness and Meditation.    Meditation is a great way to train your mind to be more positive and peaceful. It helps to focus on the present moment and clear away negative thoughts and emotions Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation to cultivate awareness of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. 
  • Engage in Enjoyable Activities.    Make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy and relaxation. 
• Challenge Negative Thoughts
  • Identify Negative Thoughts.    Become aware of recurring negative thought patterns. 
  • Reframe Negative Thoughts.   Question the validity of negative thoughts and try to find alternative, more positive interpretations. 
  • Focus on Solutions.   When faced with a problem, focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the negative aspects. 
• Engage in Positive Self-Talk
  • Affirmations.   Use positive affirmations to reinforce positive beliefs about yourself and your capabilities. 
  • Positive Language.   Speak to yourself and others in a positive and encouraging way. 
• Make it a Habit
  • Start Small.   Begin with one or two simple positive thinking techniques and gradually incorporate more as you progress. 
  • Consistency is Key.    Make positive thinking a regular part of your daily routine to see lasting results

Final Thoughts.   The key to happiness lies in our ability to control our thoughts and focus on the positive. Even though it may seem like a daunting task, with a little effort, it is possible to train your brain to think more positively and see positivity in every situation.