Well-being and thinking

[NDC_Team]

Over the past 4-5 weeks we’ve discussed different factors that can affect wellness: sleep, self-compassion, managing stress, social support, and activating the relaxation response.  Today I would like to talk about how thinking can impact wellness and share some thoughts about how you might manage or change thinking to boost well-being. 

Our thoughts, emotions, and stress response system all affect one another.  As an example, try this thought experiment. 

Imagine you have a flat tire.  Tell yourself “oh this is terrible”, “why are all these things happening to me” and “this will set me back all day”.   How does that feel? 

Now, take a deep breath.  Again imagine you have a flat tire.  Tell yourself  “I’m so glad I have Triple A to come and fix my tire”,  “this is the first flat I have had in many years’, “this is nice, I have some time to just relax”.  How does that feel?  Do you notice your mood lighten?

And the good news we can influence how we interpret events.  Much of our thinking doesn’t reflect an actual reality; instead, thinking can be seen as what our mind does to interpret our experiences and happenings. Thoughts can be like a filter or film that shades our experiences.  However our body doesn’t know the difference.  It reacts to tragic or negative thoughts as if it is the reality.  Negative thinking activates the hormones and neurochemicals related to negative events.  On the other hand, thinking positively spurs our body to feel better.  Hopeful and resourceful thoughts can brighten our mood. 

 I am not saying to stop all negative thoughts, that can become a negative thought in itself.  I am saying to give ourselves the best chance to be well.  When you notice a negative pattern of thinking, or a dark mood, try mindfully stepping  back from what you’re thinking.  Take a breath.  Let the thought like a cloud pass, or consider another way you might interpret what’s happening.  Thoughts are just that, thoughts.  Why not select the filter that most brightens your day?

Michael V. Burke, Ed.D

Program Director and NDC Counselor/ CTTS

[Trisha76]

I totally agree with you.

Because January and February were such ugly months weather-wise and then the pandemic on top of it, I find I am in a lot worse mood than I normally am as spring starts to approach.  Our thoughts control our feelings and one has to look to the little things that make life hopeful.  I am talking about getting our vaccines, more sunny days, better weather and daylight lasting longer.

[indingrl]

Thanks for sharing as for me I pray and read snd study my bible only by my Daddy Gods grace been a joyful non smoker on most days

[elvan]

This is really good, our perception of things changes how we handle them & we can ALL use a lighter mood these days.

Ellen

[Barbscloud]

Totally agree, but it can be easier said than done.  Dealing with the outside world has become more frustrating over the past several years.  Nothing seems to get resolved with the first visit/phone call. More responsibility has been placed on the consumer to make sure everything is right. Case in point--I'm not receiving some of bills or receiving them late because of issues with the postal service.    I'm the one that has to track them down, not the postal service or issuer.  

I've gone with the flow with the pandemic--can't control that, but I've had to be a detective to find the vaccine.  Wish I could say something positive about that, but there isn't anything.

Hope AAA shows up. 

Barb

[Neversay2999]

I totally agree with you. 

[virgomama]

I have been working this for a few months now.  When I catch a negative thought I immediately think how can I switch this around?  And I'll follow the negative with a positive thought.  Not always successful, but when I catch and flip it it does help.