Every morning we get up thinking of that stressful meeting or the hundred things that needs to be done in the morning. We even get up saying our first hello to the mobile phones, checking the facebook and whatsapp messages. We are unconsciously strengthening our brain connection with the past thoughts and emotions, most of which are negative. It helps in reaffirming the brains learning from the past and be in that emotion from the past.
Emotions causes inner changes in our body, releasing hormones and our body reacts as if under a real threat. Our heart rate goes up, blood rushes to our legs in preparation for running, and our creative part of the brain shuts down at that time. This influences the choices we make in dealing with that situation and the words we use which most often is defensive rather than proactive. We practice this pattern day after day, making it our default mode.
What can we do to change? Can we change the people around us? Can we change our boss, our school, our society? By changing how we perceive the events, focusing on gratitude even if it is an insy pinsie one, we are training our brains to rewire, to think and feel differently.
So what if your friend is always late and it irritates you? By you getting annoyed and angry, like in the past, you are only causing damage to your physical and mental health. Maybe you are thinking he is so arrogant and does not care to apologize…
Taking a step back, a deep breath allows you to think differently and opens up different possibilities. He has stood by you when you needed him. What if he has time management issues but is too proud to discuss? Have you had a conversation and told him how upset you get about his tardiness? Once your defense mechanism is down, your creative instincts comes to your rescue. Your mood changes from stress to excitement in opportunities. This in-turn releases helpful hormones relaxing your body and mind, enabling you to change from stress to Zen.