The human brain is incredibly adaptable. It can be shaped much like a ball of Play-Doh, albeit with more time and effort.
Over the past two decades, advancements in brain imaging and neuroscience have confirmed that the brain is capable of restructuring. We can even facilitate these changes ourselves.
Neuroplasticity, a term that refers to the enduring transformation of the brain throughout an individual's life, is quite remarkable.
We have the power to alter our brains positively, so we're not trapped by our current state. We can boost our intelligence (IQ) and acquire new, transformative skills. In certain cases, individuals can recover from brain injuries. Moreover, we can enhance our emotional intelligence by discarding detrimental behaviors, beliefs, and habits.
However, it's important to recognize that we can also negatively reshape our brains. Thankfully, our capacity to discard harmful behaviors, beliefs, and habits allows us to correct course.
Both positive and negative beliefs have the power to alter the brain.
Donald Hebb, a trailblazer in neuroplasticity and neuropsychology, is well-known for stating, "Neurons that fire together, wire together." Dr. Michael Merzenich, a leading neuroscientist, expanded on Hebb's theory, demonstrating the link between our thoughts ("neurons that fire") and the brain's structural changes ("wire together").
One of Dr. Merzenich's key findings was that "Your experiences, behaviors, thinking, habits, thought patterns, and reactions to the world are inseparable from how your brain wires itself." Negative habits can detrimentally alter your brain, while positive practices can improve it.
NEUROPLASTICITY AND ILLNESS
Alex Korb, Ph.D., and author of 'The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time,' made a significant observation: "In depression, the brain is not fundamentally flawed. Rather, it is the specific tuning of neural circuits that fosters a tendency toward depressive patterns.
This relates to how the brain manages stress, planning, habits, decision-making, and other factors—the dynamic interplay of all these circuits. Once a depressive pattern begins, it triggers numerous small changes across the brain, leading to a downward spiral."
Thus, neuroplasticity can be both the issue and the answer.
COMPLAINING AND BRAIN CHANGES
We're delving into the specifics of negative behaviors, particularly complaining, and their impact on brain structure.
There's always that perpetually negative individual who seems never to be content with anything or anyone.
Such negative individuals are typically complainers. What's worse is that complainers often don't keep their dissatisfaction to themselves; they tend to find someone to share their grievances with.
While they may be a source of irritation to friends and family, it's important to approach complainers with understanding rather than reprimand.
Indeed, everyone complains occasionally. Clemson University researchers have empirically shown that all people complain now and then, though some do it more frequently than others.
Complainers can be categorized into three main types:
Attention-seeking complainers:
These individuals use complaining as a means to garner attention, often exaggerating their hardships compared to others. Ironically, people often choose to disregard such complainers to avoid being drawn into their negativity.
Chronic complainers:
These individuals perpetually dwell in a state of grievance. If they're not outwardly expressing their "woe is me" mindset, they're likely ruminating on it internally.
Psychologists refer to this involuntary behavior as rumination, which is "the act of continuously pondering over a thought or problem without resolution." Regrettably, rumination is closely associated with the depressed and anxious brain.
LOW-E.Q. COMPLAINERS:
'E.Q.' stands for emotional quotient, and members of this group lack E.Q. Just as I.Q. relates to intelligence, E.Q. pertains to emotional insight.
These individuals show no interest in your viewpoints, thoughts, or emotions. To them, you're merely an echo chamber—a brick wall. Consequently, they seize every chance to brood and complain.
IS THE BRAIN AT FAULT?
The response is predominantly "Yes." Most negative individuals do not choose to feel this way. Indeed, who would? It's possible that it's not entirely their conscious fault.
Negative behaviors, such as persistent complaining, can, if perpetuated in the brain, eventually modify thought patterns. These altered thoughts can transform beliefs, which in turn can lead to behavioral changes.
Moreover, our brain exhibits a phenomenon known as negativity bias. Simply put, negativity bias is the brain's propensity to pay more attention to negative situations than positive ones.
Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuroscientist and the author of Buddha’s Brain, elucidates negativity bias:
"Negative events produce more neural activity than equally intense positive ones. They are also recognized more readily and swiftly."
Repetition is often called the mother of learning. By constantly focusing on the negative through complaining, we activate and reinforce the neurons associated with the negativity bias, thus cultivating negative behavior through repetition.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON CHANGING YOUR BRAIN TO STOP COMPLAINING
Being perpetually cheerful is not feasible, nor should it be our goal. It's essential to allow feelings to process naturally. However, we should actively work to counter negative thinking.
Studies have consistently demonstrated that affirmations, meditation, and mindfulness are incredibly effective tools against negativity.
Barbara Fredrickson, a positive psychology researcher, and her team at the University of North Carolina found that daily meditators experience more positive emotions than non-meditators.
After a three-month study, Fredrickson's group observed that daily meditators maintained increased mindfulness, purpose in life, social support, and exhibited fewer symptoms of illness.
Once you grasp the basics of meditation, which includes focusing on your breath, establish a meditation routine that fits your schedule. Just 15-20 minutes of meditation each day can significantly impact your life, enhancing your brain's capacity and equipping you to better resist the urge to complain.
Source: www.powerofpositivity.com
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