Blog Layout

The Mind-bending New You

Elaine Neale • Apr 08, 2020

Practise Yourself Positive!

Do you think that your brain structure is set? Or perhaps that how you think, is how you think and that's that? You'd be wrong!

Our brains continue to adapt and change throughout our lives, literally forging new neural pathways and opening and closing others depending on the weight of traffic. Did you have piano lessons as a child and can now only just about remember "chopsticks"? Just as the path less-travelled becomes overgrown so unused neural pathways close as the brain diverts resources to areas with the greatest demand - things we do regularly and learning new things. This is called "neuroplasticity".

Why is this important to you?

It's important because it means you can actually change your mind in thought and structure. If you're prone to seeing the worst in a situation or putting yourself down you'll build neural pathways like motorways to the negative parts of your brain, making that your default mode of thinking, reinforcing your negative outlook and leaving you much more open to suffering from anxiety disorders, depression and other life impacts. But neuroplasticity means it doesn't have to be that way - you have the power to take the decision to think differently and change your mind - literally.

It takes practise to begin with but if you decide to be more positive, you will be. You'll be more aware of how you're thinking and if you're aware of it, you can choose to change it. Making an effort to think and act more positively gives you an immediate boost and gets that change in brain structure going. You'll reopen and widen neural pathways to the positive areas of the brain while narrowing those to the negative. Keep going and it'll become easier to be positive until it's the norm.

Everyone is different but you can literally practise yourself more positive and see results in 3 weeks to 2 months time! 

Imagine how that could make a difference to you and your life. What would that "new you" be doing or feeling? 

Think about it, imagine it and you can have it - your brain will make sure of it. Truly mind-blowing!

My positives today so far (please remember, these can be anything and small doesn't mean insignificant!):
  • A breakthrough moment on the jigsaw puzzle building - we're on a roll now!
  • Actually having time to do a jigsaw puzzle
  • The washing is all done and there's no urgency for the ironing (yay!)
  • Guitar lessons are coming on a treat (online & with an app)
  • It's been another beautiful day.

Thumbs Up, thumbs down
by Elaine Neale 24 Nov, 2021
How Realistic Positive Thinking Helps
Smiling, relaxed and confident woman speaking in public
by Elaine Neale 19 Oct, 2021
A small change in perception can make a huge change in confidence
Hypnotherapy and Fertility: A Personal Journey
by Elaine Neale 11 Jun, 2021
This is my own story of how hypnotherapy helped my infertility
How Play Helps Mental Health and Reduce Anxiety
by Elaine Neale 10 Jun, 2021
The pandemic has stolen a bit of childhood from our kids. 21st June 2021 is Childhood Day aimed at highlighting the importance of play. Play involves the positive, creative an innovative part of the brain and naturally boosts endorphins and seratonin which reduce anxiety.
Hypnotherapy for Phobias
by Elaine Neale 27 May, 2021
How Hypnotherapy Freed Me from my Phobia
by Elaine Neale 06 May, 2021
Engage with nature in your own way and boost your mental health
COVID Calendar
by Elaine Neale 08 Feb, 2021
Beat the Lockdown Blues with a COVID Calendar!
by Elaine Neale 05 Feb, 2021
Is your 'to do' list stressing you out?
Hypnotherapy: Mind Development, not mind control. Busting the myths and illuminating the benefits
by Elaine Neale 22 Jan, 2021
Busting the Myths and Illuminating the Benefits of Hypnotherapy
Self Care: How to Help Yourself Video and Blog post
by Elaine Neale 19 May, 2020
Self care is important. Looking after your own mental health is the key to looking after yourself and others. This blog and video explores this topic with Elaine Neale, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist.
More posts
Share by: